A matched pair of gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany wine coolers George III style, late 19th century

each of hexagonal form, with pine cone finials on half lobed lids, one hinged the other removable and revealing an interior lined with lead and divisions for bottles the other without a liner, the wasted sides with alternating handles and legs surmounted by rams head masks, beading and ending in hoof feet with concealed castors

Generally good condition. The mahogany has a faded appearance in places, particularly to each lid. These are of high quality and the mounts are fine. The example with the lead liner has much wear to this lining from use. The body of each with old marks and scratches. The example with the hinged lid with old marks and scratches to the interior. One leg has a repaired break to one foot. Mounts with dirt. An attractive pair.
"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."

These elegant wine coolers reference a number of important examples from the 18th century and recall the work of Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale and Samuel Norman in their design, notably through the use of high quality gilt-bronze mounts and other neo-classical detailing. For comparison with 18^th century examples see a pair of oval coolers, ‘The Dundas Wine Coolers’  with extravagant gilt-bronze mounts and hoof feet, sold Sotheby’s London, 4 June 2008, lot 185 and in the same sale see lot 196, an identical pair of coolers to the offered lot.  Margaret Jourdain illustrates another identical in situ at Balls Park, Herefordshire (Margaret Jourdain, Regency Furniture, 1795-1830, London, 1965, fig. 163). What is particularly interesting is that the same model is advertised by Messer’s Conrath and Son of London in the January of 1895 in The Cabinet-Maker and Art Furnisher; where it is described as being 'in the French Empire' style (Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 245). The design was clearly highly regarded enough from Conrath to produce them and advertise the model so extravagantly to a late 19th century audience.