A George III satinwood and mahogany secretaire writing table circa 1790, almost certainly by Gillows

with a broad banding to the top and narrow purpleheart bandings outlining the secretaire drawer, all bordered by stringing, the sliding writing surface with a ratchet supported hinged flap and six lidded compartments below inlaid with coromandel bandings and oval sycamore reserved panels bearing letters of the alphabet

Good overall condition. Repolished finish. Feint filled age cracks to top. Slight warping to fall front section of secretaire drawer. Brass cap castors replaced. General minor old marks and scratches. Lovely colour and patina to satinwood.
"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."

An undated coloured design by Gillows for a satinwood writing table with a leather top and secretaire drawer that is similar to the offered lot  exists in the Westminster City Archives. Another near identical  Gillows design for a `new sort of bureau writing-drawer, a rising flap on slide with ink and sand bottles' dated January 12, 1794, made for J Shuckburgh is reproduced in L. Boynton, Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Hertfordshire, 1995, fig. 41, pl.5. ( see illustration). The design is further described as being in satinwood `with a broad purplewood band around the top' and also shows the Gillows characteristic loop brasses seen also on the present lot. The present lot contains hinged lidded compartments beneath the slide, inlaid with letters of the alphabet, also a typical Gillows feature.