A William III walnut and fruitwood marquetry chest of drawers circa 1700

the rectangular top with central oval decorated with two birds among scrolling floral forms and similar inlaid spandrels above a molded edge, the two short and three long graduated drawers with maching oval panels and the side panels with inlaid arched reserves, raised on bun feet.  Losses.

Overall fair condition; good color; marquetry stable; the top with horizontal age cracks and shrinkage to veneers; back left corner with losses to crossbanding; front left corner re-glued and with losses to crossbanding; chip to veneer to back right corner; hardware later with subsequent small patches to drawer fronts were previous escutcheons and handles were attached; top left short drawer with a slightly loose escutcheon; front edge of right side panel with a loss to the molded edge approximately 2 in. in length; right side panel with two rectangular chips to the veneer to the back edge and with some triangular patches to veneer of back edge; rectangular loss to veneer of apron; left side panel with chips to veneer of back edge with large triangular and rectangular patches to the same edge; molded apron to left side panel lacking; small chip to front apron; bun feet replaced; overall with some old marks, scratches and bruises; would benefit from some basic restoration to lacking pieces and a waxing, otherwise the carcass and marquetry veneers are stable and in good condition.
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.

The marquetry to this chest of drawers is typical of the late 1680s and is similar to that of a chest of drawers, illustrated, A. Bowett, English Furniture 1660-1714, 2002, p. 197, pl. 7:3, and a cabinet, p. 198, pls. 7:4, 7:5, 7:6. Bowett, op cit., describes this marquetry as being 'new, less figurative [than that of the Charles II period] . . . the designs essentially two-dimensional, with an emphasis on symmetry rather than variety. Foliage and flowers were heavily stylised, with shading and perspective kept to a minimum or entirely absent'. Of particular interest are the marquetry stylized animal heads to the centers of the long drawers. A related chest of drawers was sold in these rooms, October 16-17, 1987, lot 79, another was sold, October 16, 2009, lot 20 ($13,750).