A near pair of calamander sofa tables, probably Ceylon second quarter 19th century

the rounded oblong drop leaf tops above two channel-moulded drawers, minor difference to dimensions

Acquired by Olive, Lady Baillie (1899-1974) from Pratt for £300, 22nd September 1955, for her son, Sir Gawaine Baillie's (1934-2003) bedroom.

Table 1: Both flaps patched and cracked but with the type of timber used, the repairs are not too visible. The drawer fronts have been patched and have had the lock pates removed and the voids have been filled in with non matching timber. The drawer fronts have been coloured to conceal the patches where the key holes were originally sited. One leg has been cracked. Table 2: The top is split and will need restoration. The edges of the top have been patched in several places. Both flaps have been patched and droop slightly. One leg is broken.
"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."

A related example is illustrated in Amin Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon, A Catalogue of the Collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, 2001, p.367. Jaffer records that calamander was by no means as commonly used in Ceylonese furniture as ebony, satinwood, jackwood or nedun, due to its scarcity and high price.