A George IV gilt-bronze mounted contre-partie cut brass inlaid and red tortoiseshell games table attributed to Thomas Parker, second quarter 19th century

the top with a chessboard of parquetry mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell and possibly including Louis XIV "Boulle" marquetry panels, above a frieze drawer to the shaped apron and on cabriole legs ending in hoof sabot

Probably acquired by John Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian (1794 - 1841)

Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, Inventory, 1901, p.56, in the Drawing Room, ‘Very choice buhl occasional table with drawer, on cabriole legs top with chess board of tortoiseshell & mother of pearl, heavily mounted with chased ormolu. 2'8" x 1'6" ';
Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, Inventory, 1930, p.8, in the Drawing Room; ‘An old French buhl writing table veneered with red tortoiseshell and mother of pearl inlaid for chess & mounted in chased ormolu style of Louis Quinze 30" x 19"'

In Country House condition. The top with age cracks to the panels. The chessboard lacking one mother of pearl inset/square. Some tortoiseshell lacking and with rudimentary 'estate' repairs. The brass tarnished, some mounts loose. Losses and lifting t brass inlay, one leg notably so. Would benefit from some sympathetic restoration,
"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."

Thomas Parker was established at 19 Air Street, Piccadilly from 1808-17 and then at 22 Warwick Street, Golden Square from 1817-27 and finally at 32 Warwick Street until 1830 after which date the firm closed. The Prince Regent favoured the firm as Parker supplied him with a pair of caskets-on-stands for Carlton House in January 1813 (see P. van Duin, 'Two Pairs of Boulle caskets on stands by Thomas Parker, Furniture History, 1989, pp. 214-217 for the companion pair at Woburn Abbey); a pair of drum tables in April 1814 at a cost of £315 (Carlton House: The Past Glories of George IV's Palace, 1991, p. 108) and a second pair of drum tables in 1817 costing £210. The gilt bronze mounts to the frieze on the present table relate closely to mounts of the pair of drum tables supplied to the Prince Regent. The figural mounts to the top of each leg are also very similar to those mounted on a pair of bureau plat attributed to Parker (one sold Christie's, New York, 17 May 2006, lot 46).