A George III marquetry, padouk and mahogany serpentine commode, circa 1770, attributed to Mayhew & Ince

with an curved back to the top, the single fitted frieze drawer with a ratcheted mirror and various lidded compartments, above cupboard doors opening to reveal three long drawers, the bracket feet possibly shortened with concealed brass castors

Overall in good restored condition, the colour is faded and surface re polished, the pen work and engraving refreshed. There is evidence of lifting to lower section of lower left hand upright. The right hand cupboard door bowing. Minor losses to veneers, notably to moulded edge of base. The brass handles are possibly later. With minor old marks and scratches commensurate 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."

The distinctive profile of the present commode places it firmly among a group of commodes attributed to the Golden Square firm Mayhew and Ince. The serpentine form, shallow frieze drawer, rounded corners and bracket feet, and deeply etched foliate decoration all feature on other examples long associated to Mayhew and Ince. An idiosyncratic feature on the present commode is the curved rear edge of the top, presumably a quirk dictated by the space the piece was originally designed for.

For related examples employing a yewwood ground see those sold Christie’s New York, Property from a Sutton Square Residence, 18 October 1997 and Christie’s New York, The Connoisseur’s Eye, 7 June 2013.