A George III fiddleback mahogany roll top bureau circa 1800

with gilt-bronze mounts including a three quarter length gallery and boxwood stringing, the interior with five small drawers and pull out tooled leather inset writing surface and two exterior frieze drawers on square tapering inliad fluted legs ending in brass cappings and castors, restorations

Photographed in the Blue Velvet Room at Chiswick during the late 19th century. See below

Chiswick Inventory, 1811 in the Small Closet 'a small Mahogany writing desk'

The Duke of Devonshire, 'Mayfair Lady', The World of Interiors, March 2005, p. 108 illustrated in the Drawing Room, Chester Street, the London residence of the 11th Duke of Devonshire

Good condition. Some veneer losses especially to the right of the slope and to the slide. The mechanised form and slide require some attention as it is stiff and only partially working. An attractive colour.
"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."