AN UNUSUAL GEORGE III INLAID HARDWOOD CLOTHES PRESS circa 1760, possibly Scottish

the veneered and cross banded top above two doors opening to three sliding oak galleried trays, the sides similarly cross banded as the top.

Fair restored condition; Upper section: the top with remnants of adhesive from packing tape to the back edge; age cracks to center, lifting, shrinkage and age cracks to cross banding with replacements to veneers of front right corner; small loss to molded edge of crows above top left corner of left door; left door with warpage and with subsequent separation from right side of frame and with loss to inner molding to bottom right corner of door; left door with slight warpage and with losses to the veneers to the top left corner and to part of veneer of lower left corner; left side panel with long vertical age cracks to center and with shrinkage and age cracks to the cross-bandings with two patches at join with two hinges; loss to veneer of back lower left corner; right side panel with a vertical age crack and with age cracks and shrinkage to cross-bandings and with two triangular patches to banding of left side; banding to lower edge with lifting and w a large loss to the back right corner approximately 1 inch by 4 ½ inches. Lower section: left short drawer with lifting to cockbeading of sides now slightly loose; bowing to drawer fronts with lifting and warpage to the veneers; losses to veneers of lower let conrer and to middle of right banded edges; bandings to drawer dividers with cracks and with old patches; left side panel with vertical age crack and with shrinkage and cracks to the bandings with some replacements to the top edge; right side panel with age cracks and losses; cracks and lifting to bandings. Overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises; in need of some further restoration.
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.

Although of a normal pattern, its wainscot-oak-lined interior being fitted with sliding trays designed for the storage of clothes, the present lot is distinguished by its figured veneers and fine geometric pattern inlays; a preliminary microscopic analysis of the former indicates that it is an as yet unidentified tropical hardwood. The inlaid fret work can be related to designs for Frets illustrated in Chippendale's Director.