A George III mahogany and inlaid octagonal tripod table circa 1770

in the manner of Mayhew and Ince, the segmentally veneered tilt top inlaid to the centre with a spray of flowers within C-scroll motifs, on a baluster stem and scroll-carved legs, restorations

Generally in good condition. The top has some minor patching and appears to have been cracked and repaired with the later addition of a strengthening section of timber beneath which is not too visible unless top is tilted.
"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 distinctive style of the boldly engraved marquetry to the top of the present table, executed in the style of Pierre Langlois of Tottenham Court Road is typical of the work of the Golden Square partnership of Messrs Mayhew and Ince. The partnership of John Mayhew ( 1763-1811) and William Ince ( d.1804) `was one of the most significant, probably the longest lived, but as far as identified furniture is concerned, the least well-documented of any of the major London cabinet-makers of the 18th century' ( Beard and Gilbert, Dictionary of London Furniture Makers 1660-1840, pp.589-598). Although a significant number of manuscript accounts and bank records have survived in most cases these commissions have been dispersed, although their designs for furniture which were published as The Universal System of Household Furniture, published between 1759 and 1762, give an indication of their house style at that time. The elegant form of the column support of the present  with its elongated urn ornament reflects the popular interest in the neo-classical taste prevalent at the time the table was made. The use of floral sprays on a neo classical form seen in the present table also suggests a link to a group of furniture known to have been supplied by Mayhew and Ince for 9th Earl of Exeter at Burghley House, Lincolnshire which included commodes and corner cupboards of contemporary form but incorporating earlier floral marquetry panels.