A George III inlaid mahogany and satinwood D-shaped commode in the manner of Gillows circa 1785

Overall good condition; lovely color; waxed polished surface; the top with some stable age cracks and with minor rippling; some minor replacements to the stringing, the front left side with an approximate 4-inch long section of stringing lacking; some small replacements to the cross-banding, small loss to the veneer of the cross-banded edge of the back left corner; handles later, drawer fronts with small circular patches around the handles, the doors with later keyholes and original fitted with handles, now patched; some drawers with replaced drawer runners; overall with some small nicks, 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 commode relates to a design by Gillow in the Estimate Sketchbook, circa 1788, supplied to Sir Roger Newdigate of Arbury Hall, Warwickshire, veneered in mahogany with purplewood cross-banding and constructed with a bank of four long drawers flanked by cupboard doors inlaid with ovals, illustrated Lindsay Boynton, Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Royston: Bloomfield Press, 1995, p. 168, fig. 121.  Like the Arbury Hall commode, the present commode is veneered in fine mahogany with tulipwood crossbanding, and of nearly identical construction.

Gillow supplied a similar satinwood commode inlaid with figures and shell marquetry to John Christian, M. P. for Workington Hall, in 1788, the design and the commode illustrated in Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 2008, vol. II, p. 14, plates 538 and 539.  Another similar commode veneered in satinwood and with three cupboard doors opening to shelves was sold, Christie's, London, Dealing in Excellence, a Celebration of Hotspur and Jeremy, November 20, 2008, lot 59.