A George IV rosewood brass-mounted secretaire a abattant circa 1820, by S. Jamar

with a white marble top above a frieze drawer and reeded columns flanking a paneled fall front which opens to reval three lines of small drawers with pigeon holes above, the lower section with two panelled doors opening to reveal shleves, all on plinth base; stamped S.JAMAR / 37 . GERRARD ST . SOHO

This is generally in good condition. The marble top is later. It has been refinished. The leather writing skiver is old and is worn with some marks. The column stiles are recessed in a curved alcove runnuing top to bottom which now appears unfinished but which was originally probably faced with brass. Some old marks and scratches.
"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 firm of S. Jamar located at 29 Wardour St. Soho, London from 1818 specialized in making furniture in the French manner.  His advertisement claimed that his furniture was ‘equal to any made in Paris, and at a rate that upon calculation will be admitted considerably advantageous than importing from abroad, also without incurring the risk of being damage on the journey.’  By 1819, he began trading in Liverpool and had moved his London address to 37 Gerard St. Soho (see Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, 1986, p.478).  In 1826 he organised an exhibition of furniture in Liverpool 'which for taste in design and elegance in execution...can find no parallel'. After 1826, he disappears from the record books. his apparently brief career seems however to have been a success, since he was able to boast on his trade label that he was 'Cabinet Maker to Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland'. A number of stamped pieces, including secretaries abattant are illustrated by Christopher Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture, 1700-1840, 1996, pp. 272-280.