A George III mahogany serpentine night commode attributed to Thomas and William Brailsford of Sheffield circa 1770

the hinged top opening in conjunction with dummy drawers to reveal a turned lid enclosing a ceramic liner

'Chatsworth Derbyshire', Country Life, 15 June 1907,  p. 870 in the Sabine Bedroom;

The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth - The House, London, 2002, p. 67 illustrated in the Leicester Bedroom,

One handle missing. Losses to beading. Minor age cracks. Old marks and scratches. Probably ordered by William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811)
"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."

Thomas and William Brailsford of Sheffield are recorded as having supplied three 'night stools' for Chatsworth. Each of these was made to simulate a small chest of drawers. On 12th April 1774 their bill described one of these commodes as follows;

To a neat mahogany night stool with commode front as folding doors for the top part to the bottom part to represent Draws (sic) best wrought £2. 12. 00.

The serpentine front of this commode relates to two chest of drawers of similar form also supplied by the Brailsfords and that remain in the collection at Chatsworth today. These were invoiced as; For a large and extra Mahogany Commode the front finished with stringing and crossband the cants of the corner inlaid £9. 9s. 0d. and in 1775 a neat Mahogany Commode the front finished with a neat string of crossbanding £8. 8s. 0d.

For further information on the Brailsford commission see Christopher Gilbert, The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, p.101.