Lot 211
  • 211

A fine George III mahogany breakfront secrétaire bookcase cabinet circa 1770

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description

  • mahogany
  • height 6 ft. 6 3/4 in.; width 4 ft. 5 in.; depth 24 3/4 in.
  • 200 cm; 134.6 cm; 62.9 cm
in two sections, the upper section fitted with a large central glazed door opening to two adjustable shelves and pigeon holes, flanked by a pair of glazed doors, each opening to two adjustable shelves, the whole above three conforming drawers.  The projecting lower section fitted with a cockbeaded frieze drawer, opening to a leather lined panel sliding open to reveal a compartmentalized interior, the kneehole fitted with three cockbeaded graduated drawers flanked by a pair of cupboard doors each opening to three drawers, the whole raised on bracket feet.

Condition

Overall good restored condition; with a later glossy finish; of very fine quality, beautiful figuring to mahogany timbers and veneers; upper section with paneled mahogany backboards and solid mahogany shelves; case sides to upper section and lower section of solid mahogany; drawer fronts made of solid mahogany with mahogany veneers; finials loose but present; right two finials replaced; old repaired breaks to lower left molding; the lower section with some age cracks and stress tears to crossbanding of projecting top and with some inpainted age cracks and bruises; right side panel with a fillet at join of two veneers and with a small patch to top edge; left side panel with fillet at veneer join; small loss to veneer of top to back left corner; top section of backboards approximately three inches long and running the width of the backboard replaced, probably to access frieze drawer; front right door with some tearing to veneers at corners over lines of construction and with some inpainting; left door with tearing to veneers at corners over lines of construction with some inpainting and with some small patches to left edge with some inpainting; leather lining to frieze drawer replaced; lacking some dividers to compartmentalized interior; handles to frieze drawer and kneehole drawers replaced with subsequent small circular patches where previous hardware was attached; left front apron with patch to veneer approximately 4 inches by 3/4 inch; blocks behind bracket feet replaced for front feet and back left foot; back right foot retaining original built-up blocks; left side apron with veneer patch to center approximately 13 inches by 3/4 inch; back left bracket foot with small chips to edges; back right bracket foot with age cracks and infilled chip to back; overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs, and wear.
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.

Catalogue Note

The present lot is based on a design for a 'Dressing Chest & Bookcase' by Thomas Chippendale in found in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1st ed. 1753 No LXXXIX and in his 3rd ed., No CXIV.  Though less elaborate, the present cabinet combines a number of characteristics found in cabinets by Chippendale such as a tall central section flanked by shorter cabinets surmounted by sloping brackets.  The cabinet is of fine quality, the cabinet maker making use of finely figured mahogany veneers placed on to solid mahogany doors and side panels.  The back boards to the upper section are made of mahogany panels, a sign of good quality.