A GEORGE II SERPENTINE-FRONTED MAHOGANY DRESSING CHEST OF DRAWERS

fitted with four graduated long drawers, the uppermost drawer with mahogany linings and fitted with a baize-lined slide above a compartmentalized interior, on bracket feet.  Reduced in depth, drawer pulls associated.

Good color to veneers and nice patinations, reduced in depth, associated drawer pulls possibly 18th century, quarter veneered top with infilling to veneer line, later baize-lined slide, top drawer lacking some compartments and sliding mirror, the back board with painted numeral 10538, three lower drawers lined with old blue paper, drawer fronts with infilled drawer pull holes and with marks where previous drawer pulls have been sighted; water spots to bracket feet, front apron and two lower drawers, vertical age cracks to side panels, minor patches to veneers at drawer dividers, overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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 dressing chest of drawers relates to a design for a 'French Commode Table' in Thomas Chippendale's the Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754, pl. XLVIII.  It is similar to group of  chests of drawers, including: one at Dumfries House, illustrated, Christie's Dumfries House, July 13, 2007, lot 85, a chest of drawers from Moccas Court, sold, Christie's, Childwick Bury,  May 15, 1978, lot 94 and later sold Phillips, London, February 19, 1991, lot 76.  The fitted top drawer with mahogany drawer linings, herringbone-inlaid lids to the compartments and right side drawer fitted for inkwells, the superior carving and timber indicate the high quality worthy of a London cabinet maker, possibly Chippendale.  Furthermore, the light red wash to the underside and the built-up corner blocks to the feet are characteristics of Chippendale's production.  Additionally, there are small nails to the edges of the underside, possibly for packing purposes, that are also found on some of the Dumfries House case pieces.