An assembled pair of George IV brass-mounted rosewood étagères attributed to Gillows circa 1825

on casters.  Slight variations to carving and construction.

Overall good condition; each with nice color and surface; very good quality with rosewood veneered onto mahogany; solid rosewood feet, moldings and supports. The first with shrinkage to the middle shelf with minor separation from the supports; loss to veneer of one short side of middle shelf approximately 2 3/4 inches long; two large age cracks to the bottom shelf running the entire width of the shelf; four smaller age cracks to the edges; age crack to one foot; perishing to the finish of feet probably due to water damage; tarnishing and pitting to the brass rods. The other with a large age crack to the center now with 1/8 inch separation; the underside of the top channeled and with fillets to correct warpage; veneers to edges of top and shelves dry and with age cracks; two small losses to veneers of edge and frieze of top; the underside of the framing to the top grained to resemble rosewood; the middle shelf with a large age crack running the width of the board with approximately 1/8 inch separation; the underside faux grained to resemble rosewood; one long side edge of the shelf with four small losses to the veneer; one short side edge with losses to the whole veneer except for one 1-inch long piece; the other short side with two 1-inch losses and with a loss approximately 3 inches in length; the bottom shelf with a large age crack running the entire width with separation approximately 1/8 inch in width; one long side of the bottom shelf with a 1-inch wide loss to the veneer; the feet with slight perishing to the finish probably due to water damage; tarnishing and pitting to the brass rods. Overall the veneers and surface are dry, some old marks, scratches scuffs and bruises throughout; some staining and discoloration to the tops in places.
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 attribution to Gillows is based on an identical mahogany what-not with brass columns stamped GILLOWS·LANCASTER, illustrated, C. Gilbert, Late Georgian and Regency Furniture, Country Life, 1972, pp. 58 and 60.  A similar what-not or music stand made to a design found in the Estimate Sketch Book of 1849; another design for a music stand, with brass columns, as seen on the present pair, is dated 1836; see Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 2008, vol. II, p. 110, pl. 658. and p. 386, pls. GG46, GG47