A GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY COMMODE ATTRIBUTED TO PAUL SAUNDERS circa 1755

the serpentine leather lined and banded top with a molded edge on a conforming case fitted with a long drawer in the frieze above an arched kneehole with a molded arch centered by a key-stone with foliate and cabochon carved spandrels above fluted columns flanked at each side by three graduated drawers with gilt brass foliate handles, the panelled canted corners headed by scrolled brackets with C-scrolls, foliate scrolls and husk ornament, the base with an entwined double C-scroll and foliate carved clasp above a conforming molding and conforming plinth.

F. Lewis Hinckley, Metropolitan Furniture of the Georgian Years, New York, 1988, p. 113, pl. 79, ill. 175, the present commode with different handles  

Restored condition, the later leather-lined top with some wear and areas of discoloration, some minor chips to carving and molded edges, some minor chips, patches and inpainted age cracks to veneers, apron with some inpainted age cracks, overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises.
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 interesting commode is clearly related to a small group of similar pieces of case furniture, which because of their form and the fact that the tops are inset with leather panels, have been considered to be made as library desks. However, a similar documented pair of 'Exceeding Rich Mahog. Commodes of fine wood & wrought ornaments on Casters £45.' supplied to the Mansion House, London in 1752, for use in the State Bedroom, clearly indicate a different use. Ordered from the London cabinetmakers William Kiplin, William Chesson and Paul Saunders, they were part of an extensive commission, the three makers having formed a temporary partnership which appears to have terminated in 1757. The Commodes were described in the 1762 inventory as 'Mahogany Serpentine dressing drawers with leather covers', the latter having been supplied in 1754 'for the commodes in the State Bed Chamber' by the same partnership. 

The Mansion House pair is of identical profile to the present example, and is fitted with a cupboard within the kneehole, the arched molded frame, however, lacks a 'keystone'; the carved detail is of a similar character, but the present commode lacks the exuberant swags of flowers and leaves found on the canted corners of the Mansion House pair. Other examples of this form are recorded, including one sold in these rooms, October 12, 1997, lot 124, and another formerly in the Collection of the Marquess of Lincolnshire.

It is interesting to note that other case furniture, not necessarily intended for writing, is recorded including two 'Mahogany Tables with Tearmes' supplied by John Boson to the Countess of Burlington for the Garden Room at Chiswick in 1735; these were placed beneath pier mirrors and were similarly lined with leather.    

The commodes themselves were probably supplied by Paul Sanders (b. 1722-d.1771) who was a leading upholsterer in 'London in the 1750s and 1760s supplying the important strata of London and country house clients as well as holding the position of Tapestry Maker to His Majesty George III' (Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, pp. 782-785).

See:

F. Lewis Hinkley, A Directory of Queen Ann, Early Georgian and Chippendale Furniture, New York, 1971, fig. 424, another related commode from the Collection of the Marquis of Lincolnshire

Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1986

Sally Jeffrey, The Mansion House, London, 1993, pp. 165-166, fig. 138

Sotheby's, New York, October 12, 2007, lot 124, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Hugo S. Higbie