A George III Mahogany Octagonal Library Table in the manner of Gillow

the leather lined octagonal top revolving on rollers with a central spindle, centered by a conforming lidded compartment, the cross banded and molded edge above a frieze fitted with eight drawers, four of square form, four triangular, each with a tablet variously engraved P , LA , G , LU and BP and with brass bail handles, the square base enclosing a cupboard, each side with moldings with re-entrant corners with flower head patera and enclosing figured panels, on a conforming stepped molded plinth, formerly with castors. With a printed label FRASERS / IPSWICH LTD. DEPOSITORIES / TETLEY / NO. C5 .

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, Tom Devenish: The Collection, April 24, 2008, lot 90

Overall good condition, with later leather-lined top and minor crease over hinged panel to center of top, some minor chips and patches to veneers, the pedestal base with some inpainted age cracks, formerly fitted with casters, the edge of the door with a later wood strip and now with a loss to the bottom section of the strip approximately ½ in. by 3 in.; overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use; beautiful color and surface to the mahogany.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This form of library table, with its lidded well and lettered drawers, is also described as a 'rent' table, although this is a term which probably dates from the twentieth century. The present lot, which is distinguished by the richly figured veneers used on the drawer fronts and on the paneled base, a somewhat plainer example being illustrated by Lanto Synge, Mallett's Great English Furniture, London, 1991, p. 123. This appears to be of identical form, the only differences being the finely carved paterae, which are only found on the present table, and the use of different handles; although with different letters, the tablets are of the same oval form. A manuscript design from Gillows Sketch book of 1792 shows another Library Table inscribed P. F. Cawthorne Esq., which has a square pedestal base supporting a circular top with drawers and a centered covered well.