A George IV mahogany pedestal desk circa 1830, by Gillows of Lancaster

with a rectangular tooled leather inset top above nine drawers to one side, the lockable stiles with Bramah locks, the centre drawer stamped GILLOWS, the drawer locks stamped Chubb`s Patent, with dummy drawers and a pair of cupboard doors to the reverse enclosing a shelf and numbered pigeonholes, the underside of the central drawer inscribed in pencil `William Foster, Lancaster, March 1868'

Illustrated in Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster 1730-1840, 2008, p. 379.

This is in very good general condition. The colour and patina are both excellent. The leather top has been replaced. Slightly faded to the back side. With three keys.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Westminster City Archives contain a Gillows design for a desk identical to the offered lot, for Ferguson & Co, see illustration. For comparison, see Sotheby`s London, Important English Furniture, 3rd July 2003, lot 118 and also Sotheby`s London, Important English Furniture, 6th June 2006, lot 371.  A Gillows wardrobe made by Thomas Moon and William Foster and inscribed in pencil ` made by Thos. Moon & Wm. Foster' in 1849 is illustrated in Susan Stuart op. cit. p.70. The date of the pencil inscription on the present desk is later than the date of its construction, however it is possible that it was restored by William Foster at this later date.