A GEORGE III INLAID HAREWOOD AND GILT METAL MOUNTED COMMODE circa 1775

the serpentine form top inlaid with a trellis pattern enclosing flower heads centered by an circular satinwood panel inlaid with a basket containing fruit with kingwood banding, the edge bound in gilt metal, the conforming case similarly inlaid to the front and the sides with trellis work within kingwood cross banding and with a single drawer fitted with a sliding leather-lined writing panel opening to two compartments and a concealed small locked panel, above two doors enclosing a cupboard above a shaped apron, the shaped corners with foliate and scroll corner mounts and husk moldings continuing to out swept toes with foliate and scroll sabots, the apron with a similar pierced mount.

Christie's, London, July 9, 1992, lot 133, The Property of Dr. Daniel McLean McDonald, sold by Order of the Executors

Overall in good condition, but some of the old repairs particularly to the crossbanded edge have become discolored and require the attention of a good cabinetmaker. Overall the marquetry and parquetry decoration has lateral and vertical age cracks following the figure of the veneers. The drawer has a modern leather lining. The metal mounts are somewhat dull and would be improved with a light cleaning and polishing. A good commode which would benefit greatly from sympathetic restoration.
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.

Although the style of the marquetry decoration found on this commode is derived both from the documented and attributed work of Pierre Langlois (d. 1765), and secondly that of John Cobb (d. 1778), the simplified profile of this commode, together with the somewhat plain design of the trellis-work background, indicate a slightly later date than their known work. A pair of tables and a commode attributed to John Cobb have similar oval panels inlaid with various fruits, although all of these were probably acquired from a specialist marquetry cutter. (See: Furniture History, The Journal of the Furniture History Society, London, 1974, vol. X, Colin Streeter, 'Marquetry Tables from Cobb's Workshop', pp 52, 53, pls. 28A, 29A.

Related furniture includes a pair of serpentine form pier tables with identical trellis-work pattern inlay and gilt-metal mounts was advertised by Messrs. Hotspur Ltd., London, in The Antique Collector, February 1958, another pair with similar trellis-work sold at Christie's, New York, October 10, 1985, and an inlaid dessing table of serpentine form illustrated by Jourdain and Rose, English Furniture - The Georgian Period (1730-1830), London 1953, p. 151, fig. 121.