A George III mahogany partners desk circa 1770, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale

with an arrangement of seven drawers to one side, the opposing side with a long dummy drawer above a pair of cupboard doors enclosing folio divisions on one side and small eight small drawers on the other

Good overall condition. Replaced leather. Repolished finish. Handles possibly the original set. The right hand inner side of the kneehole has an age crack. Both inner (kneehole) sides of the plinth have been patched. The outer rear sides of the plinth have also been patched. General minor old marks and scratches. Good quality of cabinet work. Good colour.
"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 quality of the cabinet work exhibited on the present desk is consistent with the work of the St Martin's Lane syndicate of cabinet makers whose output is epitomised by the leading 18th century furniture designer and manufacturer Thomas Chippendale. In particular it relates to his design for `a bureau dressing table' published in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754, pl. XLI  which correlates to two examples probably supplied by Chippendale to Ninian Home at Paxton House, Scotland (see Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Works of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, 2 vols., vol. II, pp. 228 and 229, pls. 415 and 417). The configuration of the offered lot can also be compared with a library table supplied to William, 5th Earl of Dumfries for Dumfries House, Ayrshire, Scotland, circa 1759 (see Gilbert, op. cit., vol. II, p. 236, fig. 432).

Related examples with attributions to Chippendale which have recently appeared on the market include library tables sold Sotheby's New York, 21 October 2004, lot 31, Christie's London, 3 July 1997, lot 50 and Sotheby's 'Mallett at Bourdon House', 7 March 2007, lot 580.