A pair of George III mahogany wine cisterns on pedestals late 18th/early19th century

in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster, the brass-mounted vase cistern with a lead lined interior and removable lid, with a tap, each cross-banded pedestal with a door enclosing in one a tole-lined interior with slatted shelves ( for plate warmimg), the other with two lead lined compartments, one with divisions for bottles, and a tambour compartment, on plinths 

Darnick House, Scotland

Very good overall condition. Both lids with minor age cracks and both do not seem to fit properly. Interiors of cisterns not water tight. Taps ill-fitting. Old marks and scratches throughout. Colour and patina good. Some creasing and age cracks to both doors. Moulding to one plinth rather bruised immediately below one door.
"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."

Susan Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 2008, 2 vols., vol. I, p.308-315 illustrates urns on pedestals including a pedestal and urn made for Workington Hall, Cumbria made by Gillows which are of a form closely linked to the present examples suggesting that they too may have been made by the firm.

Thomas Sheraton explained the functions of dining room pedestals in his Drawing Book of 1793: `In spacious dining rooms the sideboards are often made without drawers of any sort, having simply a rail, a little ornament, and a pedestal with vases at each end which produces a grand effect. One pedestal is used as a plate warmer and is lined with tin, the other as a pot cupboard, and sometimes it contains a cellaret for wine. They are sometimes made of copper japanned, but generally of mahogany'.

For comparison see a pair of related urns on pedestals sold Sotheby`s New York, Important English Furniture, Decorations and Ceramics, 21st October 2000, lot 191.