A fine pair of George III mahogany serpentine-fronted games tables in the manner of Thomas Chippendale circa 1775

Formerly fitted with casters.

Overall good condition; the solid mahogany tops with nice figuring; nice color and surface; probably originally fitted with casters; traces of dark brown varnish in places especially to veneers; table one with small stains to finely figured solid mahogany top; the frieze with age cracks and with minor stress tears; top of front left leg with small chip to edge; back left corner block probably later; front left corner block lacking; back left leg with old glue repair at join with gate and with subsequent veneer patch to back apron and with two plugs; the underside of the top with two small screw holes and with two old nails; large chip to underside of wooden hinge; table two with age cracks and minor stress tears to veneers of frieze and with some small patches especially to left side frieze; the underside with some age cracks and with two small screw holes; one cross-brace replaced; two corner blocks lacking; back left leg with old glue repair at join with gate and with four plugs; front right toe with small age crack; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises.
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.

Made of both solid mahogany and mahogany veneers on a pine frame with a light red wash, the timbers used are of exceptional quality and density, the solid mahogany relating in its use to that of documented Chippendale furniture.  The softer profile of the legs is reminiscent of furniture of the latter part of Thomas Chippendale's career or possibly that of Chippendale the Younger, as seen in his work at Paxton.  Furthermore, the light red wash to the undersides, the pine back rails and backs of the mahogany-veneered gate-legs are also characteristic of Chippendale's workshop.

Cf. a George III mahogany table in the manner of Chippendale, sold, Christie's, London, June 25, 1987, lot 96, with similar rounded front corners.