A George III satinwood, mahogany and sycamore banded secretaire bookcase circa 1790, attributed to Gillows

the writing drawer revealing a fitted interior of small drawers and pigeonholes with a replaced  tooled leather writing surface, the ebonised astragals enclosing, adjustable shelves

Fairly good overall condition. Minor veneer age cracks. Handles are a well known Gillows design and appear to be the original set although they have been cleaned and there are some new retaining nuts to the interior of the drawers. The veneers to the astragals have losses and have typical shrinkage lines. Small hardly discernable crack to the top right hand glass panel of the right door as you face the cabinet. The satinwood a very good colour and patina. General excellent quality of cabinet work consistent with Gillows output.
"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."

A design for a similar secrtaire bookcase with a fan shaped pediment, dated 1788, survives in the Gillows archives, as recorded in Lindsay Boynton, Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800, 1995, p.170, fig.145. A closely related satinwood secretaire bookase, sold Sotheby's London, 15 November 196, lot 74