A George III style inlaid satinwood bureau

the slant-front opening to a leather-lined writing surface before a central prospect flanked by an arrangement of pigeon holes and small drawers, the back finished.

Overall good restored condition; the superstructure with some restored age cracks with areas of inpainting and infilling, some with shims; the drawers to the superstructure with oak linings; the central top drawer with a break to one lining with subsequent loose piece, which is present; the prospect door bowed and locked and lacking key; minor chips and wear to the drawer pulls; chips and losses to fronts of pigeon holes; right bank of drawers with bowing to divider, bottom drawer lacking cross-banding at left; repaired break above the keyhole to the slant front and with inpainting, the lock plate possibly later, the keyhole replaced; two tears to the veneers of the slant front and with slight bowing; the right drawer front with small chips to the right banded edge; small loss to cross banding on left side; the left side panels and legs with some sun-fading with some perishing to the finish; age crack to left side panel with some inpainting and with some small replacements to cross-banding; inpainting to back left side at juncture with bureau and superstructure; front left leg with perishing to the varnish; overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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.

Cf. two designs for similar 'Tambour writing tables', The Cabinet-Makers' London Book of Prices, 1793, pls. 13-14.