A Regency brass mounted mahogany double sided library table, early 19th century

with an inset tooled leather top, the frieze with continuous Greek key blind fret incorporating three short mahogany lined drawers to each side

A rare desk in country house condition. The leather inset top with numerous old marks and scratches, this ware is authentic. The finely worked frieze with small replaced sections of moulding. The moulded Greek Key detail may have been red in colour when the piece was new, the underside has a later metal corner strengthening bracket.The piece is solid and is ready to place.
"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."

This imposing writing table demonstrates the early 19th century taste for the neo-Palladian designs promoted by William Kent and his long-time collaborator the 3^rd Earl of Burlington in the early 18^th century, specifically the use in this instance of the continuous Greek key. Found predominantly in architecture, the timeless Greek key design was revived during the Regency period and used as a refined decoration for fine furniture.

A nearly identical table appears in a photograph of the Drawing Room at Scotney Castle, Kent, reproduced in C Hussey, English Country House: Late Georgian 1800-1840, p.228, fig. 439. Another very similar table was sold by Sotheby’s, New York, 18 April 2010, lot 312, ($230,500).