A George II mahogany linen press in the manner of Gillows circa 1760

the upper section opening to a shelf and two sliding shelves.

Overall good condition; the gilt-gesso cartouche is possibly a later addition - the mahogany plinth which supports it is a later addtion; overall with the usual minor nicks, scratches and wear; some old bruises to case sides of lower section; handles and key hole escutcheons replaced.
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 linen press or ‘clothes press’ with its finely carved Corinthian capitals and breakfronted blind-fret-carved frieze is very similar to two examples produced by the Gillows firm circa 1759-61.  The first example was made for Mrs Charles Inman & Satterthwaite in 1759 described in the Gillow Day Book as ‘… a large mahogany cloathes press with a neat carv’d top to take off, toilet drawer & slide in bottom part, brass locks & best furniture, £10.00.0’, August 24, 1759.  Inman and Satterthwaite were both West Indies merchants in Lancashire.  Another similar press which relates most closely to the present linen press with its finely carved blind-fret-carved frieze with dentil molding and paneled doors was supplied to Ralph Bell for his ‘best lodging room’ at Thirsk Hall in 1761.  The carving of the capitals is also similar to a bureau cabinet owned by the Blundell family and now at Sudley Hall.  All three examples have canted ogee feet, typical of Gillows production of that time and are made of very high-quality mahogany timber.  It is also interesting to note that both linen presses have sliding shelves as seen in the present example.   See Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Woodbridge, 2008, vol. II, pp. 20-21, 48-54.