A George III mahogany serpentine commode circa 1765

the moulded top with re-entrant front corners, above three drawers, on shaped cabriole legs

Generally in good condition. The back right hand foot has been cracked and repaired. The top of the front right hand leg is plugged and repaired. There are some characteristic old marks and scratches.
"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 form of this commode with its serpentine top, re-entrant corners and moulded apron relates to a group of commodes which includes  particularly notable examples sold in the Samuel Messer Collection, Christie`s London, 5th December 1991, lots 104-106. Of this group lot 106 was most probably commissioned by the francophile 2nd Viscount Galway ( d.1772) for Serlby Hall, Nottinghamshire and is thought to be the one listed in the 1755 inventory of his new house as `1 chest of mahogany drawers'. The architect of Serlby was James Paine ( 1717-1789).

Paine was a member of the St Martin`s Lane Academy which was founded in 1735 by William Hogarth who in 1753 published `The Line of Beauty' which praised  the serpentine form rather than the straight line as the most appropriate for furnishing pieces. Paine is supposed to have persuaded Thomas Chippendale ( d.1779)  to move from Yorkshire to London where his arrival was preceded by the announcement of the publication of his 1754 The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker`s Director. Many of the pieces in this Director reflect the interest prevalent of this French style. Paine subscribed to the Director and his premises were directly opposite Chippendale`s. It was therefore suggested that Chippendale supplied the commode to Serlby under the direction of Paine.

If this is the case, the present commode sharing some characteristics of the Messer commodes, could also possibly be linked with Thomas Chippendale and Serlby.