A fine George III mahogany bookcase cabinet, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale

the lower section fitted with a pair of cupboard doors opening to a single sliding shelf; bearing a Stair & Company paper label.

Stair & Company, New York
Florian Papp, New York

Overall good restored condition; the applied carving to the upper section as well as the applied carving to the doors possibly a nineteenth-century embellishment; the glass panels to the upper section replaced; the doors originally fitted with fabric screens to the reverse, now with small infilled holes where previously attached; the left side panel with a large old bruise now infilled and inpainted; the lower section with thin horizontal age cracks to the flame figured mahogany veneers to the doors over lines of construction to stabilize shrinkage with minor inpainting and infilling; fitted with one sliding shelf and lacking the four other sliding shelves; the reverse of each door with butterfly patches to stabilize warpage and shrinkage; old repaired age crack to right side panel at join with top hinge; some restorations to moldings of feet; the cresting with old repaired breaks to central fretwork pediment; the whole with a slightly glossy surface in places with minor sunfading to doors of lower section; beautifully made using mahogany secondary woods veneered with beautiful mahogany veneers; backboards are paneled with a red wash consistent with London cabinetmaking practices of the time; overall with the usual scratches, nicks, and wear consistent to age and use
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.