A Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Secretaire a Abattant Height 53 3/8 x width 25 1/8 x depth 15 1/4 inches.

PAUL SORMANI, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY

the rectangular three-quarter galleried top with eared corners above the conforming case fitted with a fall-front opening to gilt and tooled leather-inset writing surface and five shelves, further over a drawer, the lockplate marked P. Sormani, 10 Charlot Paris, raised on cylindrical fluted tapering legs joined by a galleried medial shelf, mounted throughout with cherubs and Bacchanalian motifs.

Height 53 3/8 x width 25 1/8 x depth 15 1/4 inches.

Property of a Private Collector, Lake Forest, Illinois

Top with slight age cracks beginning to form; both sides of top with more visible age cracks along the edge. Very minor veneer unevenness, wear from age and use throughout. Sturdy and attractive overall. Interior is fitted for sheet music. The bronze trim at the front below the writing surface is split in the middle (see photo), which seems inconsistent with Sormani construction and may suggest that the trim was repaired or replaced at some point. Additional photos available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Corbin Horn

Vice President, Head of Department, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

[email protected]312.334.4214

Mr. Horn joined the firm in 2009 and has directed numerous sales of important collections, including those of Lilly Pulitzer, Lord Anthony and Lady Jacobs, Lars Bolander, Casa de Sueños in Miami Beach, and Villa Massei in Lucca, Italy. He has also achieved record results for consignments from prominent institutions, including the Toledo Museum of Art, the High Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Minnesota Historical Society. Mr. Horn is a member of the Antiquarian Society of the Art Institute of Chicago and is an alumnus of the Attingham Trust.

Mike Intihar

Senior Director, Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mike Intihar is the Senior Director of Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest at Hindman Appraisals.

Mr. Intihar joined the firm in 1997, and he has expertise in 18th, 19th and early 20th-century Continental, English and American decorative arts and furniture. Mr. Intihar appraises and catalogues approximately 6,000 objects annually for auction and appraisal purposes, and he performs onsite appraisals at various appraisal fairs and events throughout the year. He attends international antique trade shows to assess the global demand for objects handled at auction and retail. Prior to working at Hindman, Mr. Intihar was a senior administrator for Sotheby’s, Chicago, and he began his career at Wolf’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nick Coombs

Vice President, Senior Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

[email protected]312 280 1212

Nick Coombs is a senior specialist in the Furniture & Decorative Arts department and also the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's.
Prior to joining Freeman's in 2014, Mr. Coombs worked for PCGS Currency in Peoria, Illinois, where he was responsible for the grading and authentication of paper money. This enabled him to travel to dozens of coin and currency shows a year and develop a lifelong passion for numismatics. In addition to heading the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's, Mr. Coombs works closely with Furniture & Decorative Arts department and has directed auctions for philatelics, memorabilia, scientific instruments, and fountain pens. He received a BA in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master of letters in art and art world practice from the University of Glasgow.

Mike Intihar is the Senior Director of Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest at Hindman Appraisals.

Fine Furniture, Decorative Arts & Silver

A Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Secretaire a Abattant Height 53 3/8 x width 25 1/8 x depth 15 1/4 inches.

PAUL SORMANI, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup