A William and Mary walnut and featherbanded reading table circa 1690

the feather-banded, quarter-veneered, hinged top with a book rest over an arrangement of six drawers around an arch, the ends each with a slide, upon six ring moulded octagonal tapered turned legs, undulating platform stretchers upon scroll feet, restorations to the top

The Dower House Ltd., Newbury, June 1951;
The Melvyn Rollason Collection until sold, Christie's London, 17 November 1983, lot 73;
The Parry Collection, Christie's London, 24 April 1997, lot 260.

London, Grosvenor House, The Eleventh Antique Dealer's Fair and Exhibition, June, 1951, by The Dower House Stand no. 72.

The Eleventh Antique Dealer's Fair and Exhibition, Hand Book of Exhibitors, June 1951, illustrated p.38, 'A rare William and Mary walnut writing table in untouched condition. Circa 1690';
G. Beard and J. Goodison, Englsih Furniture 1500-1840, Oxford, 1987, p.53, fig.4.

Overall good original condition. Some patching to the crossbanding to the top consistent with age and use. Hinges to top replaced. The grain is opening slightly and the veneers slightly uneven consistent with age. The right hand side is patched, stained and with some filler and there is a patch to the lower left drawer. Two feet replaced and signs of worm to legs. Colour and patina are both good.
"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 remarkable table is closely related to two further reading and writing tables from this period, the first was exhibited at the Exhibition of Art Treasures, London, 1928, by Reginald Clifford of Grafton Galleries, illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p.14, no. 72. The second, formerly in the collection of Mrs. A.M. Shannon Munn was sold Christie's London, 30 June 1966, lot 118.