A gilt-metal-mounted mahogany centre table Empire, circa 1810

with a later circular Siena marble top supported by a columar stem on a tri-form base

Charles Whitworth, 1st Earl Whitworth (1752-1825)
Christie's, London, 23rd June 1988, lot 77.

The top in good order although with a surface scratch. The stem with an old split and recent scuff. Evidence of old worm and some chips to veneers of base.
"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 lot was almost certainly purchased by Charles, Earl Whitworth (1752-1825) during his embassy in France (1802-1803). His distinguished diplomatic career included a posting as Evoy-Extraordinary and Minister-Plenipotentiary to Poland in 1785, Ambassador to St. Petersburg 1788-1800 and from November 1802, following the Perave of Amiens, to May 1803 when war was declared, Ambassador to France. In 1801 he had married Arabella, the widow of his old friend the 3^rd Duke of Dorset and, once arrived in Paris, they set about acquiring works of art on a grand scale and re-furbishing their house, the Hotel Cahrost. When the Whitworth were obliged to leave Paris at very short notice, their house was packed up in June 1803 by the merchand Lignereux under the supervision of the banker Perregaux. Lignereux's brief packing list of the contents of the 224 crates of the Whitworth's possessions including some items which may possibly refer to lot 77 in the the Christie's sale in 1988.