A Victorian inlaid maple bookcase cabinet by Morant & Boyd circa 1850

the backboard of lower section stamped MORANT & BOYD / UPHOLSTERERS / NEW BOND STREET / LONDON.

Overall good restored condition; the upper section with two patches to the veneer of the right corner of the cornice and with a chip to the edge; the leather flaps to the adjustable shelves in fair condition with craquelure and dry; front corners of the lower section with age cracks to the molded edge; large age crack to the right side molded edge; right side thin molding slightly loose and with a replaced section approximately 1 ½ inches to the end; shrinkage to the door fronts; the plinth base with chips to the back edges and with veneer patches to the edges with inpainting; semi-circular veneer patch on the plinth near the front right corner; front right corner of plinth with stress tears and with slight lifting to veneers; overall with 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.

Established in 1790 by the carver, gilder and interior decorator George Morant (d. 1839), this well-known firm flourished in the 19^th century and was known as George Morant & Son (1825-1839) , with premises at 88 New Bond Street.  Morant & Boyd was founded in 1852 with premises at 91 New Bond Street and in 1858 at 81 New Bond Street. The business continued into the 20th century when it became known as Lenygon & Morant. The firm had many distinguished clients including the Dukes of Sussex and Cambridge,  was given a Royal Appointment by Queen Victoria in the early years of her reign and exhibited a celebrated table made for the Duchess of Sutherland at Stafford House, now known as Lancaster House, at The Great Exhibition in 1851.

Morant supplied much furniture for Stafford House/Lancaster House in the fashionable `Louis Quatorze style' including seat furniture which  has strong similarities to the offered lot; see James Yorke, `The Furnishing of Stafford House by Nicholas Morel, 1828-1839', The Journal of the Furniture History Society, vol. XXX11, 1996, p. 52, fig.3, and also Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, 1985, p.159.