A George III cocus wood parquetry breakfront bookcase cabinet circa 1770

Inscribed in ink on the reverse 'E1404'.  The doors probably originally with wire trellis, the handles replaced.

Overall good condition; the upper section fitted for electricity as a display cabinet and the back has been pierced for wires; small piece of cross-cut molding to apron of upper section is lacking; small chips and nicks to the edges with some minor losses to veneers; otherwise stable with beautiful figuring to the wood.
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.

The bookcase is veneered with an unusual timber called cocus-wood (sometimes erroneously called laburnum), a hard, dense wood with a chocolate brown heart and a yellow sapwood which was used as a cabinet wood between 1660 and 1760.  It was imported from the West Indies and was often known a West Indian ebony. (A. Bowett, 'Myths of English Furniture History: Laburnum Wood Furniture', Antique Collecting, June 1998, pp 22-23).