A FINE PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY CHESTS OF DRAWERS CIRCA 1800

fitted with three graduated mahogany-lined drawers.

Overall in good condition, with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use, very minor old worm to undersides, with some very minor age cracks to the side panels and top,one top with very small patch to the back left corner, some rippling to the tops, some small patches at drawers dividers, drawer backs with penciled description N1 and N2, one chest of drawers with old repaired break to apron at juncture with stile, the reeded pilaster styles were turned together and continue to the feet which are in two pieces as originally constructed, some wear and minor dents to the drawer pulls, some minor discoloration to some veneers, some blocks replaced.
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.

Several aspects of the design of the present lot relate to various pieces by George Seddon, illustrated by Christopher Gilbert, 'Seddon, Sons & Shackleton,' The Journal of The Furniture History Society, 1997, figs. 16, 22-28: the use of slender reeded and turned colonettes with fluted circular collars at the top, or, in this case, with fluted circular bases, as on a side cabinet, adapted from a larger cabinet, made by Seddon for the Charles IV of Spain, with colonettes with fluted bases, sold in these rooms, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Saul Steinberg, May 26, 2000, lot 236.  The use of outset rounded corners with reeded columns is almost ubiquitous in furniture made by Gillow, nevertheless, the aforementioned features of these chests of drawer relate more to Seddon's production than they do to Gillows'. 

The firm of Seddon was possibly one of the most prolific and most successful cabinet-making firms of the last quarter of the eighteenth century.  George Seddon (1727-1801) founded the firm in 1753 and bought London House, the former residence of the Bishop of London, together with its two-acre plot in Aldersgate St., where he established his shop and galleries.  These premises were visited by a Miss Sophie von La Roche in 1786, her diary giving a fascinating account of an 18th century workshop; see: Christopher Gilbert and Lucy Wood, 'Sophie Von La Roche at Seddon's', The Journal of The Furniture History Society, 1997, pp. 30-34.