A George III mahogany and marquetry bonheur du jour Scottish, circa 1790

the superstructure with two thistle inlaid doors enclosing eight pigeonholes, two drawers and a secret drawer above a folding leather inset writing surface and a drawer, on square tapering legs

Dr Alexander Bell, FRCS, (1775-1852) Sold with a bundle of copies of correspondence consisting of approximately fifty letters sent by Dr Bell between 1803 and 1832 and found in the secret drawer of the desk. Dr Bell first had a surgery in the village of Errol on the north bank of the Firth of Tay between Perth and Dundee and then from 1807 in Dundee for the next 43 years. He distinguished himself as a general practitioner and consulting physician. For upwards of thirty years he also officiated as surgeon to the Dundee Infirmary. The correspondence contains not only personal letters but also reports on the Dundee Infirmary, depicting the social and physical conditions prevailing at the time including the relief at the end of the cholera and typhus outbreaks in 1832. 

Generally this is in very good condition. There are some old marks and scratches and a stain on the top of the hinged section. The leather on the writing surface has been replaced. The hinged folding section is slightly warped.There is one key. The drawers are lined with ash.
"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."

The discovery of the correspondence supports the Scottish provenance of this piece. Other indications in support of a Scottish origin are the use of ash in the drawer linings, a feature commonly found in Scottish furniture construction and the use of the thistle inlay, the emblem of Scotland, on the doors.