A near pair of George II cocuswood bachelor's chests, second quarter 18th century

the quarter-veneered tops above a hinged fall-front, with later tan and green leather insets, opening to reveal a concealed rising compartment with an arrangement of mahogany lined pigeon holes flanked by six short drawers, above two short dummy drawers and two long graduated drawers on bracket feet, one with later bracket feet and lacking concealed brass castors, restorations

One with Phillips of Hitchin Antiques and exhibited in the Grosvenor House Fair, 8-23 June 1966

A rare and attractive matched pair of harlequin chests in generally reasonable restored condition. Example with green leather writing surface: With losses and repairs - including some replacements and recolouring - to the veneers, notably to the banded top, rails and uprights around the drawers and drawer fronts themselves. Some loose pieces can be reattached but some losses will need replacing subject to personal taste. Consolidated age crack to left return. Bracket feet to back later and the Rear Bracket foot to left return with a large loss. The return veneers for the bracket feet later veneered in mahogany. Brasses probably later. Interior: Leather replaced but with considerable age and attractively worn. The hinged support for the concealed compartments with signs of restoration. Sprung loaded mechanism functions but needs care when opening. Generally with old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Example with tan leather writing surface: With losses and repairs - including some replacements and recolouring - to the veneers, notably to the banded top, rails and uprights around the drawers and drawer fronts themselves. Some loose pieces can be reattached but some losses will need replacing according to personal taste. Consolidated age cracks to returns. Brasses later. Fall front warped. One lopper lacking block and brass knob. Bracket feet possibly later and formerly fitted with castors. Veneer to rear left foot lifting and would benefit from attention. Interior: Interior with later leather inset top and two drawers lacking knobs.Smooth action to concealed compartments. Generally with minor old marks and scratches consistent with 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. 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."

This striking near pair of chests, their cocuswood veneers ingeniously employed to achieve bold geometric patterns, must surely hail from the same London workshop. Rare survivors, the concealed fitted interiors are an unusual and distinctive feature.