An early Victorian walnut and marquetry octagonal centre table circa 1840, in the manner of Edward Holmes Baldock

the tilt top with a later gilded leaf-carved edge, with a central marquetry panel and conforming border, on a trefoil column and shaped scroll supports

Generally this table is in good condition. It has been repolished and the edges of the top have been re-gilded or possibly later gilded. There is some slight old water damage to the centre which can be restored easily. The top is also slightly creased. Minor chips to veneer on base which also has some age cracks.
"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 form of this table relates to an example supplied in 1841 to the Duke of Buccleuch by Baldock for Dalkeith Palace, Scotland, now in the furniture collection at Temple Newsam House, Leeds, ( see Christopher Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, 1978, 3 vols., vol. II, pp. 318-320, no. 395). A group of closely related tables almost certainly by the same maker include an example also with provenance from the Buccleuch collection, sold Christie`s London, 1st April 1971, lot 33; and further examples recorded at Charlcote Park, Penrhyn Castle, Wales and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 

Edward Holmes Baldock (1777-1845) is first recorded in 1805 at 7 Hannway Street, London as a "...dealer in china and glass" and later in 1821 as "...an antique and Ornamental furniture dealer". By 1826 he had expanded his services to encompass "...buying, selling, exchanging and valuing china cabinets, screens, bronzes etc." From 1832 until his death, he secured the royal patronage, firstly of William IV and then Queen Victoria to whom he was variously a purveyor of earthenware, glass and china. Furniture supplied by Baldock was often branded with the initials `EHB'. However it is not known whether such pieces were manufactured at Hanway Street or whether this was simply a retail outlet for goods designed by him and produced elsewhere. Much of Baldock's furniture was 18th century with 19th century adaptations. Typically these took the form of fashionable porcelain embelishments, a vogue he was ideally placed to exploit. Hence Baldock can be regarded as acting in the tradition of the eminent marchands-merciers such as Daguerre and Poirier rather than a manufacturer. In this capacity, Baldock played a significant rôle forming the leading collections of French furniture during the early 19th century, including those of George IV, William Beckford, George Byng M.P. and the Duke of Buccleuch.