An early George III mahogany tester bed circa 1760, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale

the arched cornice carved with pierced 'C' scrolls and foliage, supported on acanthus wrapped reeded turned columns and baluster bases with a pierced foliate cast head board, carved rails on square section legs on block feet and castors 

Repaired breaks to the foliate carving to the tester including losses and restorations to the tips of the carving. Some larger sections of carving to the tester have been replaced, particularly to the corners. Later inner frame supporting the silk tester panel. Cuts to the plain upper sections of the front posts, possibly indicating a reduction in height, although the rear posts are not cut in the corresponding position. The cresting to the headboard with similar restorations and losses. The posts with small chips to the carving as well as small patches to the rear right post. Minor losses and old surface dirt to the rails which have possibly been assembled the wrong way up in the catalogue illustration and gallery display. The quality of the carving is not consistent with that of a London or top regional cabinet maker nor is the timber. It is possibly therefore of provincial or colonial origin. The surface to the timber throughout would benefit from cleaning and re-polishing. General old marks and scratches throughout. The box spring base and mattress measure 5ft 3in. (160cm. wide). A new mattress and box base are recommended. General movement and slight lack of stability to the joints so these will probably need some strengthening. 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 design of this bed closely relates to that supplied by Thomas Chippendale to the 5th Earl of Dumfries for Dumfries House, Scotland. Further designs appear in Chippendale's Director, where similar testers and palm-wrapped reeded posts feature in plate XXXIX of the 1762 edition.

For further discussion on this Chippendale design see note to lot 150.