A George II brass inlaid mahogany tea chest, circa 1750, in the manner of Landall & Gordon

the right hand side slides upwards to reveal a concealed shallow drawer, the brass bracket feet stamped 1725

Christopher Gilbert & Tessa Murdoch, John Channon and brass-inlaid furniture 1730-1760, London, 1993, p. 125, fig. 168

Overall in fair condition. With some minor lifting to the brass stringing. There is an L shaped patch repair to the reverse. With some age cracks to the exterior and lifting to the veneers. The brass feet are slightly loose. With some old marks and scratches commensurate with 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."

The mid-18th century fashion for brass-inlaid tea tables, as popularized by Frederick Hintz (d. 1772) and his circle, naturally led to a demand for complimenting brass-mounted tea chests. The present lot belongs to a small group enriched with brass stringing and bearing brass moulded edges. Whilst John Channon (1711-1783) is perhaps the best known cabinet-maker who inlaid his furniture with brass, there were a number of other skilful makers such as Thomas Landall and his partner John Gordon who produced similar works of high quality.

For a tea chest of similar form to the present lot and stamped T. Landall see Gilbert & Murdoch, op. cit., p.20, fig.13. A further related example – also with a concealed drawer - is in the collection of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (Gilbert & Murdoch, op. cit., p. 124, fig. 167).