A George III figured mahogany serpentine Pembroke table circa 1775

with a tulipwood crossbanded inlaid top with a drawer and opposing dummy above a concave cupboard and a dummy cupboard, between fluted stiles, on carved square tapering legs and castors

This piece is generally in good condition. The colour is attractive. There are some age cracks to the top where the grain has opened slightly consistent with age. There is a small patch on the inside edge of the right hand flap. There is some minor warping to the top.There are some small patches on the left hand edge of the cupboard door. There are some minor water marks to the back left hand side of the dummy cupboard which could easily be polished out. There is a minor chip to the inlay at the top of the rear left hand leg. With one key.
"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 unusual form of this piece relates to a design by Thomas Chippendale in his `The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker`s Director ( 1754 edition and 1762 plate LIII) , for a ` Breakfast Table', ( see illustration). In this design, the concave cupboard is constructed of pierced fretwork, the idea being supposedly that the ventilated cupboard would be used for food but would be kept away from animals. The recess, Chippendale states is for the knees of the user when seated at the table.  It is interesting to note the use of chamfering to the underside edge of the top, a device also employed by Chippendale to lend apparent thinness to table tops.