A REGENCY GILT-METAL MOUNTED ROSEWOOD WRITING TABLE ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN MCLEAN circa 1810

the leather lined top within cross banding, two sides with a low gallery the back fitted with a rising silk-lined screen, the front with a single drawer, the tapered turned legs mounted with gilt-metal ring collars and with brass cap castors.

Furniture History - The Journal of the Furniture History Society, Vol. XIV, 178, Simon Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', pp. 31-37, figs. 31A-45B

Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1986, pp. 567-568.

Some minor chips and losses to veneers with some patches and inpainting, with later leather-lined top, overall with some 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.

The design and detail of this writing table, with its richly figured rosewood veneers and distinctive use of gilt-metal collars to the turned legs, allow it to be firmly attributed to the work shop of John McLean and Son (1770-2845). First recorded in Little Newport Street, Leicester Square, his trade card identified him as a 'Cabinet, Chair Maker and UPHOLDER', illustrating a ladies' dressing table in the French taste. By 1790 the firm had moved to Upper Marylebone Street, remaining at this address until his demise in 1825 (see note to lot 173).