A GEORGE II INLAID SATINWOOD SECRETAIRE CABINET circa 1785

the shaped cross banded pediment centered by a gilt-metal mounted glazed circular aperture flanked by inlaid blind fluted pilasters, the corners with locks supporting brass vase finials, above a frieze with applied pear drop ornament, the two glazed doors with cross banded arched astragals enclosing movable shelves, the extended lower part with a shelf with a reeded edge above a cross banded and line inlaid paneled drawer with figured panels pulling forward with a fall front forming a writing surface and fitted with an arrangement of small satinwood veneered drawers, one fitted for ink bottles, above two doors with panels with canted corners, molded frames and cross bandings opening to a cupboard fitted with a shelf and two sliding trays, the shaped apron continuing to splayed bracket feet, the sides with quartered and cross banding centered by figured panels.  The pediment probably originally centered by a clock.

Overall good condition, some chips and losses to veneers with some patches and small areas of inpainting, some age cracks, the back left foot and front right foot with old repairs, overall with some 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.

The present cabinet, with its shaped pediment which was probably originally centered by a clock, may be compared to a group of similar cabinets, the original clocks being variously signed Thomas Weeks, London, and Weeks Museum, Tichborne Street.  

Thomas Weekes was the proprietor of a museum of 'mechanical curiosities' which he established at numbers, 3 and 4 Tichborne Street, London in 1797, the premises embracing 'a gallery, large exhibition room, shop and dwelling house. Attractions included animated spiders and birds of paradise, ingenious clocks, musical instruments, elaborate temples and a wide range of expensive toys and contrivances' (Gilbert, 'Some Weeks cabinets reconsidered', The Connoisseur, May 1971, pp. 13-21). After Weeks's death his collection was sold at auction on July 14 and September 15, 1838. A number of similar cabinets to the present example are illustrated by Gilbert, some of which were originally fitted with mechanical organs. The present example belongs to a group which Gilbert considers to be a 'fringe' example owing to variant stylistic features and, as with the main group, it has not been possible to attribute them to a particular cabinet-maker. In this respect Gilbert suggests that the firm of George Seddon of Aldersgate Street is a possibility, and also that of George Simson of 19 St. Paul's Churchyard.