A George III style carved mahogany pedestal desk mid-19th century

the shaped top with tooled leather inset writing surface, with a single frieze drawer and two cupboards to one side and the opposing side with an arrangement of four drawers to each pedestal, the sides with twin brass carrying handles

Generally in excellent, ready to use condition. The surface recently re-polished. The top with a new but well chosen tooled leather writing surface. Bruise to one edge of the tooled border on this leather surface. All brass locks replaced. Some beaded borders to drawers with repairs, which do not detract. The doors on each pedestal with age cracks, these have some edge and hardly discernable. There is rubbing to raised carved detail from age and use and some very minor losses to this detailing. A superb example of its type.
"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."

The superb quality and execution of this desk warrants comparison with a desk reputedly formerly with the Grosvenor family, sold in these Rooms, 9 July 1993, lot 129 (£51,500). The desk offered in 1993 was exactingly executed to a design by Thomas Chippendale, as published in his The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, of 1762, no. LXXX, and was constructed of a fine densely grained mahogany. Dating to the mid-19th century it was presumably a very early copy following the re-issuing of Chippendale's Director by John Weale in the early 1830s. Whilst the current desk shares many of these attributes it does not correspond directly to one of Chippendale's known designs. The quality of the workmanship and the choice of timber would however point to the desk being of this early revival period and quite possibly executed in the same workshop as that offered in 1993.