A Regency lacquered brass-mounted mahogany writing table in the manner of John McLean circa 1810

Overall good condition, lacquered brass in very good condition, the leather-lined writing surface is replaced but has age, nice color, and some minor stains and wear, mahogany is in good condition, beautiful color, some very minor patches to veneer in places, the table is sturdy and with some minor nicks and wear to extremities.
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 fine rosewood library table epitomizes the work of the London cabinet-maker John McLean & Son. First recorded in Little Newport, Leicester Square, London, his trade card described him as a 'Cabinet Chair Maker and UPHOLDER,' the laurel wreath and husk ornamented cartouche enclosing a drawing of a ladies' dressing table with cabriole legs in the French manner.  By 1790 the firm had moved to Upper Marylebone Street at which address they remained until the demise of the firm in 1825, although two other addresses are recorded at the turn of the century at Pancras Street and Upper Terrace, both close to Tottenham Court Road. John McLean had several important patrons including the Earl of Jersey at Middleton Park, Oxfordshire, and Edward Lascelles for Harewood House. The great Thomas Sheraton praised his work for its finish in “the Neatest manner” in the Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, 1793.

McLean's firm is notable for its regular use of trade labels, several versions of which are recorded, which were normally glued to the insides of drawers. The firm's practice of labeling furniture allows attributions to be made to a wide variety of pieces whose authorship might otherwise have remained anonymous, such as the present piece. However, attributions can also be made by studying the cabinet work and construction of his pieces. Invariably veneered in rosewood, the richly dark figuring of the wood was enriched with parcel gilding and lacquered brass mounts, the most notable being the inset tablets of 'match-striker' design which are one of McLean's 'hallmarks.' The interior construction is always of high quality, the drawer linings often being made of cedar. A writing table of nearly identical form and with very similar brass mounts sold at Sotheby's, London, December 3, 2013, lot 361 (33,750 GBP).

For a full discussion on Mclean's work, see S. Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', Furniture History Society, 1978, vol. XIV