A Fine Edwardian mahogany and inlaid Sheraton Revival breakfront bookcase, Edwards & Roberts, London circa 1900

the drawer branded 'Edwards & Roberts', the moulded cornice with carved geometric pattern and a boxwood strung and inlaid paterae border above four glazed astragal doors between fluted pilasters, the lower section with a satinwood crossbanded and reeded top over a fitted secretaire drawer and cupboard between two further cupboards and inlaid throughout with spandrels, urns, scrolled foliate decoration and trophies within wreaths, on bracket feet, with adjustable shelves, the reverse with a paper label printed Edwards & Roberts, Wardour Street, London

Lovely quality. Damage to cornice with split and chip. Upper Interior lined with watermarked blue silk. The secretaire drawer with splits to tooled leather writing surface. Minor old marks, indents and scratches. An impressive lot.
"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."

Edwards & Roberts were among the foremost English cabinet makers and importers of fine furniture of the second half of the 19th century. Founded in 1845, the firm rapidly expanded and by 1854 was trading as "Edwards & Roberts, 21 Wardour Street, Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture". The firm produced furniture of modern design, as well as copies of 18th and early 19th century French and English pieces (as with the offered lot), also restoring and dealing in genuine examples of this kind. By 1892, Edwards and Roberts had taken additional premises in more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street and the surrounding neighbourhood, continuing to trade until the end of the century.