A George III gilt-bronze mounted mahogany and inlaid serpentine dressing chest circa 1770, attributed to Henry Hill of Marlborough

the upper drawer with an integral baize lined slide concealing an adjustable mirror and fitted compartments some with tulipwood and maple veneers

Nice quality. Of unusual width. The top has some minor patching and has probably been repolished at some stage. Some sections of crossbanding with replaced segments. Some movement to the veneers due to age. Rear bracket legs with patching. Some patching to the right hand side bottom edge. The apron has partially been well re-veneered. It has been well done. Some ingrained dirt to figuring, totally consistent with age. Side mounts with pierced holes to the top and holes to the timber beneath. A very fine piece.
"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 fine commode with its well-figured veneers to the front drawers, serpentine top, keeled front angles, three long drawers and distinctively shaped apron and sides, can be attributed to the workshop of Henry Hill of Marlborough on stylistic grounds as these design elements are all typical of his work. Hill worked as a cabinet maker, decorator, auctioneer and furnisher in Marlborough, Wiltshire, from the early 1740s until his death in 1778. Despite his provincial origins, Hill worked for some of the most sophisticated patrons of his day, including Sir John Delaval of Seaton Delaval ( see L. Wood, `Furniture for Lord Delaval', Journal of the Furniture History Society, 1990, vol. XXVI, pp. 198-222), Paul Methuen of Corsham Court, Henry Hoare at Stourhead and the Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley.