An Elizabethan carved oak and Inlaid press cupboard late 16th/early 17th century

with geometric inlaid banded panels

Good throughout with superb colour and patina. There is the normal wear commensurate with age and use. The polished top has typical separation, partial splits, minor traces of old filler and old sympathetic repairs to the rear corners. The upper door with old splits to the panel. The central ledge with usual old separations and partial split. The pair of lower doors with old shrinkage and typical splits and some old losses of inlaid banding. The hinges with ghosting, old filler and minor losses from former hinge attachments. The interior of the lower cupboard shows a later strengthening baton and brackets in the top and an applied timber patch and the sides with timber runners for three drawers that are lacking. The panelled sides of the cupboard with splits. The old boarded back of the cupboard with typical separations, old fragmenting and traces of old worm. The rear stiles have at some stage been later cut to facilitate moving the cupboard in two parts. These cuts have been re-secured and with an applied later timber baton on one stile and as result the cupboard no longer divides into two parts. There is no re-tipping to the feet though some fragmenting as to be expected. The front right foot has an old sympathetic replaced front corner vertical plain band to the right of the carved detail. This is a very attractive cupboard with fine decorative details and accommodating size and a very good example of its type.
"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."