A George III mahogany partner's pedestal desk circa 1780, by Seddon, Sons & Shackleton

the moulded rectangular top with a replaced green tooled leather inset writing surface above three frieze drawers to each side, the pedestals each with three drawers opposed by panelled cupboard doors, one enclosing adjustable folio racks, the ends with a pair of dummy drawers, one central frieze drawer bearing the trade label of `Seddon, Sons & Shackleton, CABINET MAKERS and UPHOLDERS/ to His/ Serene Highness the hereditary/ Prince of Wirtemberg/ Aldersgate Street, LONDON/ British Cast Large Plate Glass/ Manufactory and Carpet Warehouse.'

Replaced leather. Replacements and minor losses to crossbandings to the top. The edge of the top above the cupboards is cracked and warped with losses to the veneers. There are a few areas of filler around the top. Losses around the drawers on the cupboard sides of the pedestals with some patching. Two drawers on this side has some felt pen marks. Both cupboard doors are cracked and warped. Both have later locks. One end is lacking a section of veneer approx. 3in. long immediately below one of the dummy drawers. Some minor age cracks to the dummy drawer facings and also the grain has opened in the panels below. The opposing dummy drawer end has fading to the veneers and one loose handle. Some losses to the moulding around the edges of the drawers on the long side of the desk fitted with drawers. Veneer losses below the right hand and left hand sides of the centre drawer. Minor veneer losses to the plinths, particularly on the bottom edge. All the handles are probably original. Good colour and figuring to veneers. A rare example of Seddon furniture bearing the original trade label. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"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."

The firm of Seddon was founded in the mid-18th century by George Seddon (c. 1727-1801) at Aldergate Street in London. It rapidly grew in size: in 1783 they were employing nearly 'three hundred of the most capital hands' in London. In 1786 the workshops were visited by Sophie Van La Roche, who recorded in her journal that, 'Some of the department contains nothing but chairs, sofas, stools of every description, some quite simple, others exquisitely carved and made of all varieties of wood ... while others are occupied by writing tables, cupboards, chests of drawers, charmingly fashioned desks, chests both large and small, work- and toilet-tables of all manner of wood and patterns, from the simplest and cheapest to the most elegant and expensive'. During the late 1780s George Seddon's son-in-law, Thomas Shackleton joined the firm and by June 1790 the bill-head was changed to 'Seddon, Sons and Shackleton' to reflect the new partnership. This arrangement was maintained until the retirement of George Seddon I in 1798 after which the business was controlled by his two sons who re-named the company George Seddon & Sons. Thomas Shackleton's departure occurred during the same year when he formed a new partnership with George Oakley called Oakley and Shackleton, who traded from St Paul's Church Yard and Old Bond Street. George Seddon & Sons continued until 1804 when Thomas Seddon died and George Seddon parted from the business following bankruptcy. This enabled the firm to continue trading as a family concern until the 1860s. Despite their stature as one of the leading cabinet makers in the latter part of the 18th century, whose clients included the Empress of Russia, the 5th Duke of Bedford, Lord Howard of Audley End and Lord Mansfield of Kenwood House, few pieces survive which can be associated with these commissions.