An 18th century Irish mahogany stand

now fitted as a stool, the inside of the back rail with a partial paper label inscribed ...ry Hirsch E...  Losses and alterations.

The Property of Henry Hirsch, Esq., sold, Christie's, London, June 10, 1931, lot 57 (£241 10s.)

Purchased by M. Harris & Sons

Burlington Fine Arts Club, 1921

Loan Exhibition of Georgian Art, 1931

Country Life, December 25, 1920

Christie's Season 1931, pp. 314-315, illustrated with a needlework seat cover

Overall restored condition; probably originally with molded edge to the top, now with nail holes to the frame; the front apron with two age cracks; right scroll carving replaced and with inpainting; the stylized shell carving with an old chip to the edge; left side apron with an inpainted age crack; the tip of right scroll carving replaced and with inpainting; the left side apron with an inpainted age crack; the tip of the right scroll carving replaced and with inpainting; the tops of the legs with minor chips and wear around lines of construction with aprons and with areas of inpainting; overall with wear, nicks, scratches and scuffs and areas of inpainting.
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.

The foliate carved deep apron centered by a mask or shell, the acanthus carved knees and the square paw feet of the present lot are all characteristics found in Irish furniture.  Albeit slightly diminutive in size, the current lot most probably was a stand which supported a coffer or small chest, and would probably have had a frame or molded edge above the apron to hold the coffer.  Similarly, these types of stands were used to support tallboys.  A number of similar Irish stands supporting coffers are illustrated, The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2007, p. 245, figs. 169 - 174, a stand supporting a tallboy is illustrated, op. cit.  p. 255, fig. 204.