A Regency simulated rosewood and parcel-gilt marble top side cabinet, circa 1810,

in the manner of George Smith, the replaced oblong black marble top above a plain gilt moulded frieze over two brass grilled doors with silk panels behind, flanked by turned columns with gilt reeded bases and collars, and supported on gilt winged lion's paw feet,

Comparative Literature

S. Redburn, 'John McLean & Son', The Journal of the Furniture History Society, 1978, Vol. XIV, pp.31-37, pl. 35A-35B.

Overall in good general condition. Some losses to paint and gilding which is largely original but which has been refreshed in places. Marble with some water marks which will need to be polished out. Some age cracks to feet and scuffing, consistent with age and use. Silk panels very faded.
"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 side cabinet shows the influence of George Smith who published in 1808 A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture. The shape of the frieze and also the design of the winged feet can be seen in Smith`s design for a Drawing Room Commode, published in 1805 and illustrated in George Smith's  Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration,facsimile edition, 1970, ppl.117.

George Smith`s pattern book Household Furniture, although heavily influenced by Thomas Hope`s innovative designs, was a seminal publication in the popularisation  of Regency design. Indeed he claimed to have worked for the Prince Regent, although given our dearth of of documentary evidence regarding Smith`s activities, this has not been substantiated.

The 5th Earl of Jersey undertook extensive refurbishment and modernisation initially of Osterley, but latterly on his sucession to the Earldom, more significantly of Middleton Park and 38 Berkeley Square in London, as is plainly clear from a manuscript account held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. This interesting account supplies us with a fascinating insight to the world of an early nineteenth century upholder and was presented by the firm of John McLean and Son. Covering a period from July 1806 to April 1807 the account details a considerable quantity of furniture for the house, all in the fashionable Regency taste along with details of the carpets, curtains, wallpaper and hangings supplied. The bill, amounting to £4,793. 11s. 10d. demonstrates the extent of the refurbishment and is thoroughly commensurate with Lord and Lady Jersey's standing in fashionable London society.

The accounts illustrate a very contemporary style chosen by the Earl which is very much the style of the present lot,  much in the manner of the leading taste-maker of the period, the Prince Regent, later George IV. McLean's bill, including for the Venetian Drawing Room 'A black Japann cabinet made to your Japan with Lions paws burnished gild, made to match those at Berkeley Square, an enclosed black japan Table, with silk curtains ormolu ornaments on lions paw feet in burnished gold, made to your marble tops and black Japann, 2 circular pier tables, black japann, and ormolu ornaments' and a pair of 'Elegant black japann cabinets, with ormolu ornaments and writing Desk, conjures an image of what must have been a most impressive interior and one that would have suited the Prince's Brighton Pavilion. The Prince's taste was most likely an important source of inspiration for the young Earl and his wife. His mother, Frances Twysden, the Countess of Jersey, was the Prince's mistress, an exceedingly influential figure in the Prince's household and romantically linked with the Prince for over twenty years. As such Lord Jersey would have likely had access to the splendid interiors of Carlton House and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.