A George III mahogany serpentine commode circa 1770

in the manner of Henry Hill of Marlborough, the top with an inverted bowed superstructure fitted with a pair of cupboard doors enclosing eight pigeonholes, five drawers and a sliding removeable tray, above a slide, with four drawers below

This piece is in overall excellent condition. The colour and patina are both very good. The front left hand foot has been broken and has been repaired with some colouring in which could now be improved on. There is a filled age crack to the left hand side which does not significantly detract. Handles probably replaced. Some non matching back plates, and ghost marks indicating possible changes. Some shrinkage to bases of main drawers, which are oak lined. These age cracks have been filled with thin strips of timber. Slight warping to the carcase immediately above the top main drawer. A very attractive piece.
"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 present commode with its serpentine front, keeled front angles and distinctively shaped apron and sides relates to a group of commodes attributed to Hill of Marlborough, illustrated in Lucy Wood, The Lady Lever Art Gallery, Catalogue of Commodes, HMSO 1994, pp.71-3 suggesting Hill as a possible maker. Henry Hill worked as a cabinet-maker, decorator, auctioneer and furnisher in Marlborough, Wiltshire form the early 1740s until his death in 1778, Despite his provincial origins, Hill worked for some of the most sophisticated patrons of his day including Sir John Delaval of Seaton Delaval ( see L. Wood, `Furniture for Lord Delaval', Journal of the Furniture History Society, 1990, vol. XXVI, pp.198-222), Paul Methuen of Corsham Court, Henry Hoare at Stourhead and the Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley.