A George III mahogany secretaire display cabinet circa 1765

the interior of the upper section with shaped mahogany display shelves

In fairly good overall country house condition. The pagoda moulding with minor losses and age cracks. Minor losses to cocked beading of drawers. One division to pigeonholes damaged. Two handles missing to the interior writing compartment drawers. Baize writing surface stained. Minor losses to bracket feet. General old marks and scratches. Good colour and quality
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The combination of Gothick, Chinese and French rococo elements featured on the present lot typify the fashion in English furniture promoted by Thomas Chippendale and his contemporaries during the late 1750s and early 1760s. In particular the scalloped pagoda moulding to the perimeter surmounting the lower section, features in Chippendale's pattern for a `China Case', illustrated in the 3rd edition of his Director, 1762, pl. CXXXVII. Furthermore, the handles to the drawers are of a type commonly associated with Chippendale's workshop (see Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Works of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, 2 vols., vol. I, colour pl. 15 and vol. II, p. 146, pl. 263).

A mahogany breakfront library bookcase with a similar pagoda moulding, with provenance from Claude D. Rotch which was identified as possibly by the Wentworth cabinet-making firm Wright and Elwick, sold Christie's London, 28 November 2002, lot 110. A secretaire bookcase almost identical to the offered lot but without glazing to the sides of the upper section, sold Christie's London, 9 July 1992, lot 144. A further similar cabinet sold Sotheby's, Barnwell Manor, 28-29 May 1992, lot 186.

Amongst the aforementioned related cabinets, the example here is distinguished in the configuration of the upper section with its astragal glazed sides and shaped fixed shelves conceived as a china display cabinet. Another almost identical cabinet exhibiting this feature is held in a private collection.