Pottier & Stymus (attrib), nice parlor table, c. 1870s, Renaissance Revival in style, parcel gilt mahogany base, the circular trayed top with inset painted French porcelain plaque depicting children playing in the woods, centered on relief cast bronze frieze of neoclassical figures, raised on three caryatid-form supports ending in trefoil feet, ink serial number “2490” to center interior of base, no signature observed, 36"h x 26"dia

Notes/Literature:Pottier & Stymus' use of a serial numbering system is well-known and is documented in Kristin Herron's article on Glenmont, the Thomas Edison Residence in West Orange, New Jersey. The digits on a Pottier & Stymus piece could be penciled, impressed, stenciled, or inscribed in black ink, as seen here. Herron notes that the numbers were probably assigned chronologically, low "Ingersoll 3924" on an Egyptian Revival chair at the Metropolitan Museum of Art dates from c. 1870 and a c. 1882 wardrobe at Glenmont is marked with a higher number "Pedder 66595". An 1888 fire in the manufactory destroyed the firm's records, and probably terminated use of the numbers in subsequent work from Pottier & Stymus.

Fair, shows age and use, cracks to porcelain plaque in need of restoration, bronze mounts rubbed and oxidized, scattered nicks, scratches and abrasions to woodwork and gilding losses, wood loss to feet **Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.