A gilt-brass mounted kingwood banded, boxwood strung and tulipwood bureau-plat, Louis XV style, second quarter 19th century

possibly English in a French style, the shaped top with an inset tooled leather writing surface with a moulded brass border above a shaped frieze with pierced chased handles and mounts, fitted with three drawers opposing three dummy drawers, the cabriole legs with corner mounts and sabot, one drawer inscribed to the underside '19 Hill St. 1950'

Possibly William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858)

Photographed in the Gold Drawing Room at Chatsworth, circa 1900, reproduced, The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, London, 2002, p. 179;
The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, London, 2002, p. 174-174, illustrated in the Yellow Drawing Room at Chatsworth.

Lovely quality. Pleasing colour - although with fading and some marks. Gilt-brass mounts tarnished, very good quality. Losses to veneers and bare carcase exposed. This will require workshop attention as will visible age crack to top. Scuffs and old marks to leather and tear to the leather because of splits. Loss to one angle section at top of leg.
"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."