A George II walnut secretaire chest on chest circa 1740

inlaid to the front secretaire drawer and sides with fine geometric stringing, the lowest drawer with an inlaid concave sunburst

Lovely overall basically un restored condition. Both sides of upper section with characteristic age cracks some of which have old filler. Typical old veneer chips to upper section, mainly to right chamfered corner and both rear edges of upper section including lower corners. Third long drawer down to upper section with missing lock. Secretaire drawer lock replaced. Cross-grained waist moulding with some minor losses. Minor loss to corner of secretaire drawer. Some of the long drawers have possible restorations to the crossbandings to the right side. Typical age cracks to right side of lower section. Minor veneer chips to both sides of lower section. Both sides of lower section with triangular veneer patches at the base. Left side of lower section with minor worm and blistering. General wear and veneer losses to the moulding beneath the bottom drawer and to the ogee bracke feet which are the original set. Handles probably replaced but during the 18th century. Left brass backplate to bottom drawer missing its bail handle. Typical shrinkage to crossgrain mouldngs and drawer beading throughout. The small door to the secretaire drawer has been replaced but probably during the late 18th century as it is mahogany. Old marks and scratches throughout consistent with age. Exceptional colour and patina. This is a rare example surviving in utouched condition with orignal handles which exhibits unusual features such as the dentilled cornice corinthian capitals to the chamfered upper section corners and fine checquer stringing to not only the front and secretaire drawer but also to the sides. Will respond to sensitive restoration.
"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."

A similar walnut secretaire chest on chest sold Sotheby's London, The Norman Adams Legacy 1923-2009, lot 45. The present lot is distinguished by its unusual heavily dentilled cornice and carved  composite capitals to the chamfered corners of the upper section.