An ebony and tulipwood marquetry breakfront cabinet circa 1840

in late 17th century manner, with applied gilt-metal mounts, the top with three panelled doors enclosing shelves and with an amaranth and walnut veneered interior, the lower section also with three doors and shelves with a similarly veneered interior, on a plinth raised on gilt-metal toupie feet

This piece is in `country house' condition. The mounts are tarnished and could benefit from cleaning. All of the doors on the top and bottom section have age cracks. Two of the side panels are cracked. The sides of both top and bottom have lifting veneers and one section of missing veneer to lower left hand side. Some uneven fading. Minor veneer losses. Some paint splashes to one side. Some later shelves with later supports. The interior is veneered and the veneers are lifting in places. The back has age cracks, top and base. One brass foot mount loose. An impressive cabinet which will require extensive restoration. 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 present cabinet relates to the work of the celebrated dealer or marchand mercier, Edward Holmes Baldock (1777-1845). Listed variously in London Trade Directories as `Ornamental China Dealer', `Furniture Broker and Appraiser' and `Antique Furniture and Ornamental China Dealer', he numbered among his clients King George IV, King William IV, Queen Victoria, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Duke of Northumberland to whom he supplied, including other pieces, a magnificent pair of pietre dure cabinets made for Louis XIV,  William Beckford and the Earl of Lonsdale.

Operating very much in the manner of Poirer and Daquerre, the marchand-merciers of the 18th century, he specialised typically in pieces of French furniture which were in the opulent taste of the ancien regime for which the English aristocracy expressed a great fascination at the time.  He commissioned pieces in this style but also repaired, remodelled, re-mounted and embellished existing furniture.

Baldock stamped many of the pieces he supplied with a brand EHB and although the present cabinet is un-marked it typifies the style of the pieces he supplied.