A George III part-ebonized harewood, yew wood and satinwood marquetry Pembroke table attributed to Mayhew and Ince circa 1780

the rectangular top centered by an oval satinwood patera within a beaded interlaced wreath surrounded by a geometric border flanked  hinged flaps each centered by an oval yew wood patera above an interlaced beaded swag within the same geometric borders, the frieze drawer centered by a yew wood oval patera above a beaded swag and opposed by a similar panel, raised on square tapering legs ending in brass capped casters.

Sold, Sotheby's, London, August 1, 1980, lot 282

Overall fair restored condition; later glossy finish; the top with warpage and a large vertical age crack to the center particularly visible through the satinwood patera; the flaps bowed; loss to veneer to banding of back edge of right flap approximately 1/4 in x 2 1/4 in.; the underside of the top with a later horizontal brace, butterfly patch and two small blocks to correct warpage; drawer slightly stuck due to warpage; drawer lined with old blue paper, originally fitted with a slide above a fitted interior; some old worm damage to drawer front, parts of frieze and to legs; overall with some old marks and scratches; casters slightly loose.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar harewood and yewwood marquetry Pembroke table attributed to Mayhew and Ince with entwined pearl strings, yewwood oval panels and, as with the present table, a blue paper-lined drawer formerly fitted with a slide, was sold, Christie's, London, April 23, 2009, lot 186 (£12,500); an identical pair to this was sold, Christie's, New York, April 25, 2008, lot 68 ($51,000).  As discussed in Gilbert and Beard, The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1986, the firm's use of yewwood was the 'only wholly idiosyncratic veneer wood the firm used and possibly unique to Mayhew and Ince among London cabinet-makers of this date', p. 593.  Additionally, 'moulded borders of commodes, tables and chests, especially when free of ormolu mounts, were often strengthened by ebonizing, a highly unusual device perhaps unique to the firm.'; op. cit.