A George III satinwood and marquetry serpentine bombé commode circa 1780

the quarter-veneered oak crossbanded top inlaid with a basket of flowers, with two doors enclosing a shelf and inlaid with floral wreaths, the sides inlaid with wreaths of husks  

The Willoughby de Broke family of Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Possibly supplied to John Peyto Verney, fourteenth Baron Willoughby de Broke (1738-1816)
Thence by descent

Overall good condition. Colour and patination are both very good. Minor losses to crossbanding and cross-grained mouldings particualrly around apron, feet and side returns. The doors are slightly warped and do not meet properly when closed. There is some warping and shrinkage to the right hand side of the carcase. The backboard appears to have been replaced and has a section of moulding missing to the recessed panel. It is a very attractive piece.
"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."

A group of marquetry commodes featuring similar flower-filled baskets to their tops are illustrated in Lucy Wood, The Lady Lever Catalogue of Commodes, 1994, pp. 168-169. A more elaborate marquetry commode attributed to Pierre Langlois or John Cobb, bearing closely related marquetry to its top, was offered Christie's London, 22 January 2009, lot 60

However it is interesting to note that a payment of £28. 15s. 6d. in Hoare's Bank ledgers to the cabinet-makers John Mayhew and William Ince in 1767, is recorded in Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert eds., The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1986, p. 594. This corresponds with the re-modelling of Compton Verney circa 1761-1767 by Robert Adam.