A George II brass inlaid mahogany reader's table, circa 1730, possibly by Thomas Potter

the rising tray top enclosing a brass-inlaid hinged top with ratcheted support above a frieze drawer, the top enclosing a swivelling platform enclosing five drawers, on a turned columnar stem with cabriole legs and pad feet, concealed brass castors, the top and legs inlaid with engraved foliate brass, the sides with engraved brass carrying-handles

Christie's London, Important English Furniture, 4 July 2002, lot 24

In overall reasonable condition. The top has two secure age cracks running horizontally. The mechanism is very stiff and one push button below the handle has lost its spring and would benefit form professional attention to mend. The table is slightly loose atop its stem as to be expected from using the mechanism. The colour is very good with rich patination. The brass inlay has tarnished. With some old marks and scratches commensurate wit age and use.
"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 metamorphic 'harlequin' reading and writing-table closely resembles a design on a trade-label inscribed 'Potter London' and now held at the Victoria and Albert Museum (no.E2320-1889) and is almost certainly that of the cabinet-maker Thomas Potter (d.1782), recorded as working in High Holborn in 1737 (fig. 1). Potter’s association to the circle of John Channon (d. 1779), the celebrated cabinet-maker known for his 'rich and curious [fine wrought] workmanship', is evident in the use of brass inlay and further established by the centrepiece of his trade label, a brass enriched collector's cabinet in the Louis XIV manner of Andre André-Charles Boulle (d.1732) which closely resembles that in the Victoria and Albert Museum attributed to Channon (C. Gilbert and T. Murdoch, John Channon and brass inlaid furniture 1730-1760, London, 1993, fig. 11 and fig.113).