A George III gilt-bronze mounted plum pudding mahogany commode, circa 1760, possibly by John Cobb

the moulded serpentine top above two short drawers and three graduated long drawers

This elegant commode is in very good conserved condition. There are minor repairs to veneers and minor chips to the edge of the apron; the surface with a light yellow pitting from an old polish, which is hardly noticeable. This piece displays an attractive wood colour and fine metalwork and is ready to be placed.
"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 present commode shares stylistic affinities with a group of commodes attributed to the Royal cabinet-maker John Cobb (circa 1715-1778) and the eminent cabinet-maker and upholsterer Henry Hill (d. 1778), examples of which are illustrated and discussed in Lucy Wood, The Lady Lever Art Gallery, Catalogue of Commodes, London, 1994, pp.64-73 and 88-97.

With its serpentine form, luxurious gilt-bronze enrichments and distinctly shaped apron, the present commode shows a close understanding of French prototypes and construction techniques. It is perhaps notable that in 1772, Cobb was implicated in smuggling French furniture into England through the use of Italian diplomatic bags in an attempt to avoid import duty (Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, 1986, p.182). The gilt-bronze handles in particular relate to a number of commodes attributed to Cobb, notably a kingwood and burr-elm bombe commode sold Christie’s London, 24 November 2005, lot 92 which has almost identical handles.