A George III satinwood mahogany and rosewood serpentine centre table circa 1780

in the manner of John Cobb, with applied gilt-metal mounts

This piece is in good restored condition. The top has a slight warp to the centre which has been repaired. There are minor age cracks and repairs to veneers consistent with age.
"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."

This table in the French taste is in the manner of John Cobb (c. 1715-78) of St Martin's Lane, London. Apprenticed in 1736, he is then recorded as entering into a partnership with the Royal Cabinet Maker, William Vile, a successful partnership that lasted until 1764, three years before Vile's death. He was also connected to the well known cabinetmaker Giles Grendey, having married as his first wife, Sukey Grendey in 1755. As Beard and Gilbert in their Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, pp. 181-184, 'It has been usual to assume that as Cobb trained as an upholsterer he cared for this side of the business, and Vile dealt with the cabinetmaking. This may well be the part of the pattern, but late in life Cobb showed himself to be a very capable cabinetmaker, or more correctly of having the knowledge to oversee cabinet work of a very high quality. In later years when he was renowned especially for marquetry furniture,' they record notes by Hester Thrale in her journal, 1789, that when she visited Sceaux in 1775, the inlaid floors of every chamber were 'finished like the most highly prized cabinet which Mr Cobb can produce to captivate the eyes of his customers'.

The form of this table is similar to an example that was sold, Sotheby's, London, June 30, 2004, Lot 172. For other examples see Ronald Philips Ltd, London, in their Catalogue, May 2006, p.10, item 3 and Sotheby's, London, 24 April, 2008, Lot 128.