A George I inlaid burr and figured walnut bureau circa 1725

in two sections, the upper section fitted with a slant front opening to a sliding panel before a prospect door flanked by faux book spines flanked by banks of small drawers further flanked by three pigeon holes above short drawers above a long drawer, the prospect compartment sliding forward to reveal two banks of three secret drawers to the reverse, each set of pigeon holes sliding forward to reveal secret folio slides, the lower section fitted with a pair of short drawers over two graduated long drawers, raised on bracket feet.  The back with chalked number A8607.

Stair & Company, New York

sold in these rooms, January 26, 1985, lot 58

Overall good condition; now with a glossy finish to the surface, does not appear to have been sanded; the top with inpainting and staining to the crossbanding in places and with some patches to the crossbanding; lock plate and escutcheon to slant front probably replaced; large inpainted rectangular patches around hinges; right side panel with a large square patch to bottom front corner; two rectangular patches to veneer around right loper; block approximately 4 inches in length to underside of back left corner cross-cut molding replaced. Lower section with later handles and escutcheons with subsequent infilled holes where previous hardware was attached; backboards replaced; side panels with age crack to front corner edges over lines of construction with drawer dividers and with some infilling and losses; some small replacements to cross-cut moldings; feet original with some later blocks and with some small veneer patches. Overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises.
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.