A George II mahogany tea table circa 1755

Losses.

Percival D. Griffiths, Esq., Sandridgebury, St. Albans, Kent, circa 1920

R. W. Symonds, The Present State of English Furniture, 1921, fig. 94.

Overall fair condition; not restored; with old patina; nice color and figuring to the timber; the top with a long age crack running almost the entire width of the top, and with smaller age cracks, chip to veneer of back left and right corners; the reverse of the top with same age crack and some small age cracks; the open top with loss to veneer of front right corner approximately 8 inches by ½ inch; losses to veneer to front right corner; repaired veneer chip to front edge; the right side frieze with small loss to gadrooned edge; small losses and replacements to molded edge around the hinges; loss to gadrooned edge of back side frieze; the front apron with lacking carving to central motif; the left side gadrooned edge slightly loose; the underside with areas of old mildew and dirt; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Of unusually small size, the heavy construction and finely detailed carved decoration of this table possibly indicates a provincial maker either in the North of England or Ireland.

It is closely related to another mahogany folding-top table of almost identical design, the convex frieze carved in a similar manner with conjoined strap-work ovals and lozenges. The apron, however, retains the complete pendant cartouche, and the feet are carved as hairy paws (See: F. Lewis Hinckley, A Directory of Antique Furniture, 1953, p. 240, fig. 780). The table does not appear to have been included in the sale of the major portion of Percival Griffith's Collection at Christie's, London, 1939.