A yew-wood and harewood pembroke table circa 1775, attributed to Henry Kettle

with a crossbanded top above a drawer and dummy, on square tapering legs with shaped feet

The top has some characteristic warping. It has been refinished. There is a later section of veneer inserted into the top towards the front edge which runs from side to side and is of a significantly different colour.Some repairs to left hand flap with some re-veneering.
"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 present lot has marked stylistic affinities with a Pembroke table by Henry Kettle in the collection of The National Trust at Saltram House, Devon, illustrated in Christopher Gilbert , Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, 1996, p.289, fig. 543 and also with another Pembroke table by Kettle, illustrated Christopher Gilbert op. cit., p. 296,  pl. 556.  

Henry Kettle is recorded as partner to William Henshaw from circa 1770 before taking over the business and trading from premises at 18 St. Paul`s Churchyard, London. In 1774 Kettle took on Philip Bell`s business at 23 St. Paul`s Churchyard which was to remain his main trading address ( cf. Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert ( eds.) , Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1986, p.510).

The design of the table is based on a drawing for a Pembroke table in Hepplewhite`s `The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer`s Guide',  London, 1787, pl. 62.  For comparison, see Christopher Claxton Stevens and Stewart Whittington, 18<sup>th</sup> Century English Furniture, The Norman Adams Collection, 1983, pp.330-1. For further comparison, see a related Pembroke table  sold Sotheby`s London, 7 July 2000, lot 76.