A William III Princeswood Veneered Writing Desk Circa 1695

on later bracket feet. Restored, formerly with bun feet.

Partridge Fine Art PLC

In good restored condition, some old marks and scratches, some small chips and losses to the veneers, veneer patches and areas of inpainting, the kneehole cupboard door lacking lock and now with a brass knob, originally with bun feet.
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.

This form of writing table originated in France, the earlier examples having elaborate carved giltwood stands or turned legs (See: Th. H. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Pierre Gole ébéniste de Louis XIV, Paris, 2005, chapter VII, 'Un nouveau bureau Louis XIV', pp. 182-199). The present table, with its simple overall profile, relies for its decoration on the brilliantly marked and imaginatively cut princeswood veneers, which provide a highly dramatic effect. This unusual veneer is probably a type of rosewood which is indigenous to South America, in particular to Brazil. As Adam Bowett remarks in English Furniture 1660-1714 From Charles II to Queen Anne, Woodbridge, 2002, p. 311, 'In the late seventeenth century....it was imported in small quantities via France and Portugal, and the name almost certainly derived from its very high price of between £35 and £60 per ton. It was the most expensive of all cabinet woods and it is consequently found on high quality furniture'. A very similar desk, also veneered in princeswood, is illustrated in The Magazine Antiques, February 1948, 'English Furniture for Writing', J. D. U. Ward, p. 120, fig. 2.