A FINE GEORGE III BREAKFRONT MAHOGANY BOOKCASE CABINET CIRCA 1760

in two parts the upper section with glazed doors opening to adjustable shelves projecting lower section fitted with a pair of doors opening to an adjustable shelf, the flanking cupboards fitted with later cedar lined drawers; originally part of a fitment. Losses, restorations, plinth with later strip of wood at bottom.

Rotherwas, Herefordshire
House sale, Messrs. Osborn & Mercer, March 11-13, 1913
Messrs. Fryer, Ltd., 6 Henrietta St., Cavendish Square
Arthur S. Vernay, Inc

Country Life, February 8, 1913, vii.
The Standard, March 8, 1913

Beautiful quality, originally part of a fitment is evidenced by cuts and later additions to the sides of both upper and lower sections; the cornice adapted and now with a pierced panel to the center section; grooves to molding at the top of the cornice indicate that this is probably a later addition and was once fitted with a three sided central section, age cracks and losses to central fretwork panel, minor losses to dentil molding, old marks and scratches, the cupboard to lower sections with age cracks and tearing to veneers along lines of construction underneath, some with fillets roundels to cupboard doors probably later, ¼ inch strip along bottom of plinth later cedar drawers to flanking side cupboards later, hinges to cupboard doors of lower section with repairs throughout.
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.

The present lot is based on a number of designs by Chippendale, found in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director of 1754.  The carving of the mullions incorporates a design (plate LXXIII) together with some other motifs such as cusped quatrefoils and ogee arches supported by pilasters with gothic capitals (plates LXXV and LXXI).  The overall design of the bookcase relates directly to plate LXIX.

The bookcase was possibly commissioned by Charles Bodenham or his son Charles-Stonor Bodenham of Rotherwas, in Herefordshire.  Charles Bodenham commissioned James Gibbs to design a new manor house for his family in 1731.  Gibbs reused the 17^th century paneling from the old house, which was removed in 1913, together with the present lot, and contents of the house and sold at auction by Messers. Osborn & Mercer.  The panelling, bought by Herbert L. Pratt and installed in his house 'The Braes' on Long Island, was bequeathed to Amherst College, Massachusetts, where it remains today.  Rotherwas was demolished in 1926.