A George I ebony-inlaid burr maple and burr figured walnut desk-and-bookcase

in two sections, the upper section with double-domed molded cornice above a pair of doors fitted with mirror plates above a pair of candles slides and opening to a central prospect door beneath an arrangement of small drawer and bank of pigeon holes slideing forward to reveal a secret compartment and flanked by folio slides and banks of small drawers, the lower section fitted with a slant front opening to an inset leather-lined surface before a sliding panel and a pair of prospect doors opening to a niche above a drawer and flanked by an arrangement of pigeon holes and stepped small drawers, the case fitted with a pair of short drawers over two graduated long drawers raised on bracket feet.  The back with chalked number 7691-25.

Feet and apron altered; overall fair restored condition; structurally sound; now with a glossy finish. The upper section with replaced mirror plates and escutcheons; the back panels to doors with later moldings; one small drawer with infilled chips to edges; central drawer with an additional lock; inpainted patch to left side of cornice; front double-domed cornice with some inpainted fillets between cross-cut moldings; chip to front right corner; right side panel with two small rectangular patches to the back edge. The lower section with square patch to crossbanding of slant front, approximately 1 1/2 inches square; two horizontal age cracks with slight tearing to veneers; one vertical age crack to the right with slight tearing to veneer; slight bowing to slant front; leather lining replaced; one small drawer with two replaced ebonized bands; later keyhole escutcheons to prospect drawers slightly loose; sliding panel with age cracks; left side panel with inpainting and shim at join of veneers; large inpainted patch to front edge approximately 6 inches by 1 inch; with long thin patch with inpainting running along the entire back edge; right side panel with some inpainting at join of veneers and with large triangular patch to bottom right back corner; rectangular patch to top edge, approximately 3 1/2 inches by 1 inch; long patch to the entire back edge with inpainting; handles and keyhole excutcheons to drawers later with subsequent small patches and holes; restorations to drawer bottoms; overall with some old marks, scratches, and scuffs; minor nicks to 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.