AN IMPORTANT GEORGE III INLAID MAHOGANY OVAL LIBRARY TABLE circa 1780

the tulip wood cross banded top inset with a leather panel and with a box wood lined and cross banded edge, above an arrangement of eight drawers and four false drawers, each cross banded with ebonized cock beading and with inlaid box wood lines, the rectangular foliate cast brass handles with circular patera back plates, the square tapered legs headed by recessed tablets with boxwood molded frames, the legs similarly paneled and within boxwood moldings, and supported on conforming tapered brass cup castors with pearl beading.

The Collection of John M. Schiff

Sotheby's, New York, December 9, 1989, lot 351, Property from the Collection of the late John M. Schiff 

The 37^th Annual Winter Antiques Show, New York, 1991, Exhibited by Devenish, Catalogue illustration, p. 28

The color is paler than it appears in the catalogue. Old marks, cracks and wear to edge of stringing around top, old scuff marks around edge. One lock and one handle missing. Small chips to ebonized cockbeading, some old ink staining to drawer fronts. One foot with chipped collar and losses above caster. Some cosmetic work required.
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 unusual oval form, this library table is obviously the work of a highly accomplished cabinet maker. Inlaid overall with fine boxwood lines, boxwood has also been used to frame the tablets in the frieze and also the paneling of the kgs. It is interesting to compare it with lot 85 which is obviously by the same maker but differs in having carved detail to the legs and is fitted with Bramah locks, both tables retain their original handles which are shown in an 18^th century brass-founders pattern book in the Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

See:
Nicholas Goodison, 'The Victoria and Albert Museum's Collection of Metal-Work Pattern Books',  Furniture History The Journal of the Furniture History Society, London, vol XI, plate 26