A George III gilt-metal mounted padouk, rosewood and marquetry serpentine bombé commode circa 1770, probably by an émigré craftsman

the doors enclosing a shelf

Acquired by Lord and Lady Samuel from Malletts, London.

Lucy Wood, Catalogue of Commodes, London, 1994,  p.170, fig. 159.

Losses to bandings and marquetry to the top. Slight typical bowing to the top. Characteristic age cracks to veneers in places, particularly to the lower region of the left side return. General 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 strong French influence exhibited in this commode is characteristic of the work of émigré cabinet-makers working in London in the second half of the 18th century, such as Pierre Langlois who had trained in the workshop of the master ébéniste Jean-Francois Oeben.  The manner of the marquetry on this commode is related by Lucy Wood in her book to a commode thought formerly to have been in the collection of Sir Josceline Fitzroy Bagot, Bt., (1854-1913) at Levens Hall, Westmorland and illustrated in her book, op. cit, No. 17, pp. 166-171. Further related commodes include one with similar marquetry to the sides and ormolu mounts although with drawers to the front rather than doors, sold Sotheby's London, 5 July 1991, lot 122 and another of more conforming form sold Christie's London, 24 November 1966, lot 125. Lucy Wood suggests a possible maker for this group, based upon  inscriptions to the sides of the upper drawers of the Levens Hall commode, of a yet discovered cabinet-maker by the name of O M I Clarts.