the galleried tooled-leather inset top above six frieze citronnier lined drawers

Acquired from Mallett, London, 2 February 1987.

A smart and fine quality desk in overall good restored condition, with minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The replaced tooled leather top attractively worn, with staining and scuffing, as expected. Minor, secure lifting to areas of veneer and some veneers/moulding possibly replaced. Gilt-brass mounts have lost gilding in some areas from years of cleaning and there are two small losses to rear left leg and right hand side. With one key.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The attribution of the present desk to Danish cabinet-maker Jul Fred Olsen is based on an identical example in the collection of the Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen (Ref. B37/1929). The desk in the Design Museum Denmark was submitted as examination piece by Olsen in 1847 and the collection retains the original drawing.