A George II walnut dressing chest of drawers circa 1740

the cross banded top opening to an arrangement of compartments and to a hinged dressing mirror to the underside on a ratchet support above a dummy drawer fitted to the right side with a short drawer with pen and ink compartments; the pullout brushing slide above three graduated long drawers; the back of one drawer with a partial paper label inscribed Jn^{o Hind Cotton Bart / at Maddingley by Gillums / Cambridge Waggon from / the Waggon & six horses / Bishopsgate Street}.

Sir John Hinde Cotton, Bart., Madingley Hall, Cambridge

Overall good restored condition; the top slightly warped and with areas of old worm and some small age cracks; patches to front left corner, back left corner and back right corner and small patches to cross banding; the stand supporting the hinged top possibly replaced; the mirror glass with extensive loss to silvering and with some crystallization overall; small patches and infilling to cross banded edge of mirror; the interior with age cracks and one age crack with a fillet; bottom drawer with patch to cock-beading above keyhole; drawer fronts showing old contemporary veneer patches; minor veneer patches and old worm to veneers of drawer dividers; the feet with later blocks and back panels; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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.

This chest of drawers was mostly likely commissioned by the 3rd Bart, Sir John Hinde Cotton, born in 1688/9; he succeeded his father 2nd Bart, Sir John Hinde Cotton of Madingley to the baronetcy in 1712.

A suite of seat furniture from Madingley Hall from the Walter P. Chrysler Jr. Collection, was sold, Parke-Bernet Galleries, April 29-30, 1960, lot 244.  A pair of Queen Anne giltwood pier mirrors from Madingley are illustrated, Masterpieces of English Furniture: The Gerstenfeld Collection, London, 1998, pl. 50, p. 71 and fig. 71, p. 228.

See:

H.A. Tipping, English Homes: Early Renaissance, 1912, p. 57