A fine George III satinwood writing table circa 1795

the rectangular crossbanded top centered by a later gilt-tooled leather-lined surface, the frieze fitted with a pair of mahogany-lined drawers opposed by a pair of dummy drawers, raised on turned circular tapering legs ending in casters.  The underside of one drawer with an old chalked inscription Damaged (?) / T. J.  and with a paper label stamped MADE IN  / ENGLAND, the underside of the right side with a paper label stamped HOWARD F. PAGET Private Property and MADE IN / ENGLAND.

Howard F. Paget

Beautiful quality, nice color and figuring to satinwood; overall good condition; the later-leather lined top with rubbing and wear and with th usual scratches, scuffs and stains; front left and back right corner of crossbanding with a small patch; patches to the front frieze above and beneath the drawers; chip to bottom cockbeaded molding to one drawer; age crack to top of front left leg and a small age crack to top of back left leg; overall with some old marks, scratches and scuffs.
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.

Howard F. Paget of Elford Hall, Staffordshire inherited the house from his cousin the Hon. Mary Howard daughter of Frances Paget Howard and Richard Bagot, later Howard.  Frances Paget Howard was the sister of Henry Howard, 12^th Earl of Suffolk and 5^th Earl of Berkshire and the daughter of William, Viscount Andover.  William, Viscount Andover was the son of Henry Bowes Howard, 11^th Earl of Suffolk and 4^th Earl of Berkshire, whose father, the Hon. Craven Howard had married Mary Bowes, the heiress of the Elford estates.  The Hall was designed in the 1750s to the specifications of Henry Bowes Howard, who died in 1757 before it was built in 1758.  The hall replaced an existing late mediaeval hall where Henry VII supposedly stayed before the battle of Bosworth Field.

Howard F. Paget left the house and lands to his son F. Howard Paget in 1935, who in tern gifted it to the city of Birmingham for public use.  The house was demolished in 1964.