A GEORGE III CARVED MAHOGANY KETTLE STAND, CIRCA 1760 |

with a circular pie-crust top on a fluted and acanthus-wrapped baluster stem with an egg-and-dart collar on foliate capped downswept legs with claw-and-ball feet

The Collection of J.S. Sykes, Grosvenor Square, London;
thence by descent until sold, Phillips London, 12 June 2001, lot 57

In overall good conserved condition, displaying excellent carving and ready to place. Top faded slightly and with typical old marks, scratches and minor chips to rim. Small section of 'pie-crust' edge repaired with a later replacement. One leg with hairline crack and evidence to underside of related plug/splice repairs although these are only evident upon very close inspection and this remedial work appears to have some age. Colour to stem is good but most likely a later surface. Otherwise, stem with typical minor old chips, scuffs and scratches consistent 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 present table belonged to J. S. Sykes, an important collector of English furniture who formed part of a close circle of British and American aficionados including Eric Moller, Samuel Messer, Percival Griffiths, Geoffrey Blackwell and Lord Plender. Towering figures in the history of English furniture collecting, all of the above were advised and guided by furniture historian R. W. Symonds, whose remarkable collection and reference library now forms part of the Winterthur Museum. Numerous pieces from the J. S. Sykes collection are illustrated and discussed in Symonds' seminal book Masterpieces of English Furniture and Clocks, 1940, in which he describes the Sykes collection as being 'outstanding'¹. A closely related carved mahogany 'pie-crust' table from the collection of Lord Plender, G. B. E., possibly by the same hand, is illustrated in the same book². ¹ Symonds, R. W., Masterpieces of English Furniture and Clocks, London, 1940, p. VII (see pages IV, 3, 5, 11, 17, 19, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 43, 45, 59, 63, 67, 83, 85, 94, 107, 146, 156, 158, 159 for further pieces illustrated from the J. S. Sykes collection)

² Ibid., p. 29, figs. 19 & 20.