An Irish George II walnut bureau bookcase second quarter 18th century

the serpentine broken pediment above a pair of conforming fielded panelled doors enclosing adjustable shelves above a pair of drawers, the fielded panel fall headed by a pair of candle slides and revealing an inlaid fitted interior centred by a small door inlaid with a chieftain holding a sword flanked by a pair of pull-out vertical drawers inlaid to simulate composite pilasters with chequer borders, the surrounding pigeonholes and stepped drawers with a further pair of inlaid pilasters above an inlaid cartouche containing a heart, below is a shallow frieze drawer with two short and two long graduated drawers below, on bracket feet, restorations including feet

Good overall restored condition. Some minor veneer splintering beneath left cornice return. Minor veneer restoration patches to sides of upper section, mainly around the hinges. Handles, locks and escutcheons later. Feet replaced. General old marks and scratches. Good consistent colour. 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 marquetry inlaid figure of the kilted chieftain with a sword and round shield is popular motif found in the interiors of Irish bureaux.  For a similar comparison see The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven, 2007, p. 54, pl. 55. The distinctive profile of the pediment is further paralleled in cabinets illustrated op. cit., p. 53, pl. 50 and p. 54, pl. 54