A FINE GEORGE III INLAID ROSEWOOD, PAINTED AND PARCEL-GILT DWARF SECRETAIRE BOOKCASE CABINET

the superstructure with doors opening to small drawers above a secretaire drawer fitted with a leather-lined flap, ink and pen recesses, the later fabric-lined doors below opening to a shelved interior, stamped MADE IN ENGLAND three times; panels to doors replaced.

Sold, Parke-Bernet Galleries, Daniel Farr Co., Inc. March 26-27, 1943

Illustrated, N. McLelland, Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, 1939, pl. 64

Overall in good condition, with some minor losses to gilt-beading with some areas of inpainting, some slight wear and minor age cracks to the figural terminals, areas of re-gilding and inpainting, overall with some minor infilled age cracks with areas of inpainting, some slight bowling to the top of lower section, some very minor chips to veneers with some very minor patches, with 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.

As discussed by A. E. Richardson et al, Southill A Regency House, 1951  'The Egyptian style, of course, long preceded Bonaparte's Egyptian campaign of 1798-1801, though that expedition gave a new twist and a renewed importance to the style.  Its earliest and most pure manifestation is perhaps to be found in the work undertaken by Gouthière for the Duc d'Aumont in the early 1770s'.  The present secretaire cabinet, with its antique Egyptian-headed term figures, gilding, fine veneers and toupie-form feet, is reminiscent of the work of Marsh and Tatham for Samuel Whitbread II at Southill Park, Bedfordshire.