A pair of Late George III gilt-bronze mounted ebony and solid mahogany concealed cupboard doors circa 1806, attributed to Marsh and Tatham

each ebony strung cavetto cornice with applied gilt-bronze palm fronds, above a panel with stylised laurel and anthemia, each door with a gilt-bronze strung panel and band of fruiting laurel above three faux graduated drawers, with rossette and anthemia cast knobs and escutcheons, one operating the door mechanism, between two 'panelled' uprights, the apron with further Empire style mounts and on carved scroll faux feet

William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811) in conjuction with Lady Elizabeth Foster, Duchess of Devonshire (1759-1824) as part of the remodelling of The Duchess' Bedroom and Dressing Room at Devonshire House (see schematic plan of the room in The Catalogue of Pictures at Devonshire House 1813 and 1836 which implies cupboards of this type);
The room was known as Duchess Georgiana's Bedroom and/or The Yellow Bedroom by the late 19th century.

Devonshire House Wall Plan of Paintings, 1813
Devonshire House Wall Plan of Paintings, 1836
Devonshire House Inventory, 1917, p. 86, A 3' Mahogany and Ormolu mounted Empire fitment of door leading to back staircase, 3 matching drawers with circular brass handles [and on the same page] & Companion fitment fancy cupboard, right of window
The obverse, p.83 in Lord Hartington's Room

Fair condition. The mounts are tarnished. One door has a loss to the gilt bronze moulding on the main panel. Both doors have sections of moulding which have sprung. One door has five out of six door knobs, the other has two. One foliate gilt-bronze mount is missing. Both doors have cracks, separations, wear, scratches and marks throughout. There are losses to the cornices and friezes including sections of moulding and cast foliate mounts.
"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."

See footnote to Lot 137