A pair of George III serpentine mahogany commodes circa 1770

the shaped tops with a moulded edge, the corners with gilt-metal mounts, with two drawers over a shaped foliate mounted apron, on splayed legs, the underside of one with an apparently 18th century chalk inscription 'Mr(?) Tomlinson'

Both tops with age cracks, lifting veneers and minor veneer losses. . Age cracks to sides. Old marks and scratches throughout. Good colour and patina. Well figured veneers.
"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."

Designed in the French taste, the serpentine form of these commodes is brilliantly enhanced by the careful cutting and placement of its richly figured mahogany veneers that are complemented by the diagonally cut  veneers. These are so designed to frame the mahogany panels to enhance the subtle form and to allow light to be reflected from the depth of the grain. The manner in which the side panels are contained within curved cartouches outlined with boxwood lines is a feature that appears on French commodes of a slightly earlier date than the present example.

The present pair of commodes relate to small group of commodes undoutedly from the same workshop. These include, most interestingly a larger commode that was also in the Collection of Lord Samuel of Wych Cross (Sotheby's London, 16 November 1990, lot 312) and which shares the same brass mounts, a commode sold Sotheby's house sale, The Leverhulme Collection, Thornton Manor, 26-28th June 2001, lot 134 and another commode formerly in the collection of the Duke of Norfolk, Norfolk House, St. James's Square, London, illustrated Anthony Coleridge, Chippendale Furniture, 1968, fig. 234.