Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston
Sotheby's New York, December 2, 1989, lot 702
Private Collection, Canada
Sotheby's New York, December 4, 1998, lot 511
Christie's New York, June 13, 2008, lot 127
Jonny Kalisch, Shakespeare, Ontario
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Carlo Bugatti, A World of Imagination, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Toronto, February 9-May 27, 1995

Overall in very good condition. The wood surfaces with light surface scratches, minor abrasions and minor dents consistent with age and gentle use. The wood with scattered wormholes consistent with age. The left cabinet door of the central compartment with a small loss to the upper left corner measuring approximately 1 inch wide, visible in the catalogue illustration. The right cabinet door with a vertical crack in the wood on the left vertical board extending down from the top of the door frame to approximately the mid-height point of the door; the crack has been stabilized at some point in the history of the piece and is visible in the catalogue illustration. The parchment is original and has been sensitively stabilized, it is in very good condition with occasional minor separation and small losses to the material near the seams. The parchment with minor scattered surface scratches, abrasions and minor discolorations consistent with age and gentle handling, and some occasional wormholes. The flat parchment coverings on the alcove shelves with some unevenness and rippling. The metal inlays in very good condition with some slight lifting to some of the inlays and a few scattered losses of the smaller inlaid elements, not visually detractive and only visible upon close inspection. The metal surfaces with light surface scratches and abrasions; the pewter with some scattered areas of pitting. The glass is original in very good condition with air bubbles and minute particulate inclusions inherent int he making. The overall design with light surface dirt to the recessed areas. The back of the cabinet has been replaced at some point in the history of the piece. With three replaced shelves and six small drawers. An extraordinary design by Bugatti, which retains its original parchment and displays great detailing and an intricate decoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.