A Regency mahogany open bookcase possibly by Marsh and Tatham circa 1810

applied with gilt-bronze mounts, the scagliola top depicting a squirrel, the frieze decorated with foliate wreathes above four tiers between pilasters on plinth base with castors, together with a library of approximately 190 volumes from the Bibliotheque Universelle Des Dames, Paris, mostly dated 1788, the gilt-tooled cover of each with the cypher for Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (1773 - 1843) sixth son of King George III, losses

This piece is in `Country house' condition. The scagliola top is in rather worn condition and has old chips throughout all edges, with a repaired break at one corner. The top fits the piece in a slightly awkward way suggesting that there is a section missing all around the top edge. The mounts are of fine quality and could benefit from cleaning and some re-fixing. One capital mount is missing, one base of a column is also missing, and one laurel wreath is also missing. There are losses to the veneers all around the top edge on all sides. Both wreath mounts have an unexplained hole drilled to the centre. The panelled section beneath scagliola top is cracked and has an indistinct inscription. The top tier has some fragmentation and losses to veneers on top surface. The moulding is entirely missing along one edge. Some age cracks. One dummy book spine is missing from this tier. The second tier also has some losses and fragmentation of timbers. This tier also has some dummy spines missing. Two are loose. The veneers is also fragemented and with losses on the other tiers and particularly around the sides of the base at the corners, three of which have some patching. There are also some mouldings missing from bottom tier. The leather is very distressed or entirely missing on all dummy book spines. The books are all rather tired ad with worn or torn spines.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This unusual bookcase is in the Anglo French manner and similar in style to furnishings provided by the Mayfair based cabinet makers and decorators Marsh & Tatham (later Tatham, Bailey & Saunders).  They held the royal appointment of 'Upholders' to George, Prince of Wales, later King George IV.