A George III gilt-brass-mounted mahogany and gonçalo alves commode circa 1760, attributed to Henry Hill of Marlborough

with applied gilt-brass mounts, with a serpentine diagonally crossbanded top above a drawer originally fitted for dressing with divisions, and two further drawers below, on splayed feet

Generally this piece is in very good condition. The colour and patina are both good. All the drawers have small filled plugs where previous handles have been sited. The escutcheons are also later. The bottom of the aprons on both sides have minor patches. 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."

This fine commode, with its book-matched veneers to the front drawers, serpentine top, and distinctively shaped apron and sides can be firmly attributed to the workshop of Henry Hill of Marlborough on these stylistic grounds. Further Hill characteristics are discussed in relation to a group of very similar commodes attributed to Hill by Lucy Wood in  The Lady Lever Art Gallery, Catalogue of Commodes, London, 1994, pp.64-73.   It is interesting to note that the corner mounts on the present commode can also be seen on the commode in the Lever collection.

Henry Hill was a cabinet-maker,  auctioneer and agent for  the Sun Insurance Company from about 1740 to 1777/8 when he died.  His clientele was mostly based in his native Wiltshire, and included such important clients as Paul Methuen of Corsham Court, Henry Hoare of Stourhead, and the Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley. Other notable non-local commissions came from Lord Delaval of Seaton Delaval and Thomas Mansel Talbot at Penrice Castle, Glamorgan.  

A closely related commode from Maiden Bradley by Hill was sold by Christie's, London, 28 November 2002, lot 120. One of a pair of commodes supplied to Corsham Court, almost certainly by Hill and with 'notched' apron almost identical to that of the offered lot, is illustrated in Lucy Wood's article on Hill and Lord Delaval in the Furniture History Society Journal, XXVI (1990), pp.198-234. Finally, the Victoria and Albert Museum has a very similar commode with identical profile  which in the light of Wood's research is clearly from the Hill group. This is illustrated in M. Tomlin, Catalogue of Adam Period Furniture, London, 1982, p.180.