A George III part-ebonized mahogany Carlton House desk circa 1800

of typical form, the superstructure centered by two banks of three small drawers flanked by a pair of cupboard doors, leading to a drawer to each end and centering a leather-lined surface on ratchet support above three frieze drawers raised on tapering legs ending in casters.

Overall fair condition; structurally sound; surface appears to have been cleaned; the top of the super structure with slight warpage to the ends and with subsequent minor stress tears to the veneers; with small infilling and stains to central part of superstructure above right small doors; leather lining to writing surface replaced; age cracks to underside of writing surface and with a wood brace and later glue blocks to underside to correct warpage; small patch to front molded edge, approximately 2 inches in length; left door with loose doorknob and escutcheon, now in parts bag; lacking lock mechanism and with subsequent patch and infilling; chips and losses to ebonized beading; escutcheon to right door of superstructure slightly loose; lower left drawer to superstructure with loss to ebonized banding of right side and bottom right corner; small loss to veneer above small drawer to right side of superstructure; left frieze drawer originally fitted with ink and pen compartments, now lacking; patch to cockbeading above the lock, approximately 4 1/4 inches in length; patch to frieze above left drawer approximately 5 1/2 inches; patch above right frieze drawer approximately 5 1/2 inches in length; and with triangular small veneer patch to drawer front above keyhole; old repaired break to front left leg at leaf carved collar; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs, and bruises mainly to molded edges.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.