A gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood and tuilipwood bureau plat stamped A. Fleury Louis XV, mid 18th century

the serpentine leather-lined top above three drawers, on cabriole legs, the underside with a black ink inscription 19 Hill Street-1950, mounts re-gilded

Certainly Spencer Compton Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire (1833-1908) but possibly acquired earlier

John Cornforth, Making A Present of The Past, Country Life, April 7 1994, p.70;
Montgomery-Massingberd & Sykes, Great Houses of England and Wales, 1994, London, p. 247 illustrated in the Blue Drawing Room:
Derry Moore, Chatsworth, Architectural Digest, January 2003, p. 99 illustrated with Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire shown seated beside it.

Reasonably good overall condition. The leather insert has many stains and is cracked with some losses. One corner of the top has become detatched. The veneers to the border of the top have a few minor patches. The central frieze is missing its two lower corners. A few veneer patches to the legs. The gilt bronze mounts are generally in good condition with light wear. The edge of the top has some pin holes to it. The side mounts are possibly associated. The fine quality and good colour make this an attractive table.
"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."

Photographed in the Yellow Drawing Room, Chatsworth during the 20th century

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle, Paris, 1989, pp. 310-311.

Adrien Fleury (1721-1774)
Fleury was based in the Faubourg Saint-Germain, working initially in the Rue Traversière, then moving to the Rue de Charonne and subsequently on to the Rue Saint-Hyacinthe.  Inventories list works inlaid with marquetry and in the Chinese taste and the few pieces that are encountered today are almost all characteristic of commodes in the early Louis XV style.