with the original key

Le Décor D'Aujourd'hui, no. 47, 1948, p. 19 (for a Mercier Frères advertisement illustrating a cabinet with a related panel design)

Overall in good condition. When viewed in person, the design on the cabinet door presents with greater depth and dimensionality than in the catalogue photograph. The frames, sides, and base of the cabinet have been sensitively and professionally restored. The overall lacquer with light surface scratches, some areas of rubbing and fading, and craquelure throughout, and with some wear concentrated to the underside of the face frame and the top edge of the base, all consistent with age and use. The original panel design with a few minor chips to the lacquer, all minor and as visible in the catalogue illustration, the largest is a triangle measuring approximately 3/8 x ¼ in. The base with a few losses to the wood that have been painted over and are not visually distracting, the largest located to the proper front left corner measuring approximately 1 ½ x 1 in. The interior is refinished with three shelves and presents with some light surface scratches, marks, and paint residue, likely from the restoration to the exterior. The piece is offered with its original key, which can be used to lock and secure the door shut, and a tassel which could be part of the original design. An elegant and historical piece by the Mercier Frères, with the original import label for the 1939 New York World's Fair to the reverse, that presents well overall.
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.

To the rear of the cabinet are a United States Customs label and a memo from the San Francisco department store City of Paris that allude to the import of the present lot from France for the occasion of the 1939 New York World's Fair.