A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED POLISHED PINE EAGLE PIER TABLES circa 1740

one with a rectangular black and gold marble top, the other lacking, above a conforming frame carved with Vitruvian scrolls within egg-and-tongue and rope twist carved moldings, supported by an eagle with outspread wings perched on rock work, the solid plinths with extended corners and with leaf carved moldings.  Possibly originally painted.

Lacking one marble top, the other marble top in good condition with very minor wear to the edges, the consoles each with age cracks to rock-form bases, 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.

Tables with eagle supports are commonly described as 'in the manner of William Kent', although only one published design by him is recorded which has any relationship to this form, and there are no documented examples which can with certainty be attributed to him. Kent's design was used as tail-piece in Pope's edition of Homer's Odyssey, which was published 1725/6, and shows two fighting eagles with out-spread wings standing on a large pier table with a Greek-key ornamented frame above a solid shaped stand ornamented with Bacchic masks and garlands. An interesting trade card, dated 1739, of Francis Brodie, the Edinburgh cabinetmaker, illustrates an interior with a group of furniture, including a related console table with an eagle support.

An almost identical pair of tables which appear to be by the same hand, with Vitruvian scroll carved friezes but different carved moldings and rectangular plinths,  formerly at Kirby Hall, Little Ouseburn, Yorkshire, was sold Christie's, London, November 13, 1997, lot 100. Kirby Hall was originally built for Stephen Thompson, Esq., between 1747 and 1752, Howard Colvin noting in his Biographical Dictionary of Architects 1600-1840, 1980 that a contemporary engraving of the house by Basire is inscribed 'Elevation by R. Morris Archt., and the Earl of Burlington: Executed, and the inside finishings by J. Carr, Architect'. Demolished in the 1920s, the house appears to have been designed in the Palladian style, the known architects providing an interesting link with Kent who had died in 1748.