An Indo-Portuguese ivory and tortoiseshell veneered table cabinet late 17th century

the fall front opening to reveal a fitted interior of nine drawers, the central drawer with tortoiseshell veneer the surrounding drawers with gilt heightened incised decoration, on flattened bun feet

Lionel Stopford Sackville., Esq., removed from Drayton House, Northamptonshire, sold Christie's London, Important English Furniture, 5th July 1990, lot 107

Very good condition. The surface veneers with cracks. Some discolouration. Rubbing to incised decorative motifs and loss of this inscribed detail. Two replaced strips of narrow ivory to each short side of the top. The fall front slightly warped, as to be expected. All these issues are connected to great age and use. The tortoiseshell veneers on the inside of the lid have a dull surface probably from over cleaning, however the surface patination is generally lovely. The reverse of the casket with age cracks. The ball feet could well be later. The central inetrior drawer includes two 'secret' drawers. When the piece was sold in 1990 to the vendor it was recorded that this cabinet could have been one of the two described in 1770 in the 'Chaple Room' in an inventory taken after the death of Lady Betty Germain. Germain was to leave Drayton House to her to great nephew Lord George Sackville. '1 small cabinet inlaid with ivory on a black frame' or 'An ivory cabinet inlaid with tortoise shell on a Black Frame'
"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."