A FINE GEORGE III INLAID YEWOOD, ROSEWOOD AND MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE CABINET circa 1775

veneered in richly figured burr yew wood and with rosewood cross banding, the molded swan neck pediment with flower head carved terminals and centered by a stand for a bust above an inlaid fluted frieze above two glazed doors with geometric molded astragals enclosing adjustable shelves, the extended base with a long drawer veneered and molded to simulate two drawers opening to a leather-lined writing surface and fitted with an arrangement of small drawers and pigeon holes centered by a small cupboard, above three long drawers, and supported on ogee bracket feet, retaining the original brass ring handles with circular leaf molded back plates.

Sotheby's, New York, April 11, 1997, lot 741

Overall good condition, the cornice to upper section with very minor warpage, side to front right foot lacking, cedar lined drawers, minor chips to cockbeading of drawer fronts, two age cracks to mahogany backboard, overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises and with minor areas of inpainting.
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.

This small and neatly finished secretaire cabinet is attributed to the partnership of John Mayhew (1736-1811) and William Ince (d. 1804), whose partnership flourished between 1758-1804), (See: lot 69); yew wood, together with ebony or ebonized moldings, appearing to be a common feature of their documented or attributed work. An almost identical cabinet, also attributed to the firm, was sold, Christie's, New York, April 30, 1997, lot 276. This has a similar inlaid fluted frieze to the swan-neck pediment, but this also inlaid with husks and paterae.