A George III crossbanded mahogany serpentine 'commode' table by William Crawford, 1770
A George III crossbanded mahogany serpentine 'commode' table by William Crawford
1770
the top inlaid with boxwood and ebony star motifs at the front corners, on chamfered square legs, the pull-out frieze drawer with a fitted interior and additional legs
82cm. high, 107cm. wide, 56cm. deep.
Of unusual form. Repolished. Later handles and lock. The reverse with four crude cut in holes for fixing to the wall. The pull out has experienced trauma to the front left side proper. This is evidenced through a notable - albeit well done - patch to the veneer and a leg, the fixed leg with later tenons, from repair. The left leg with evidence of former castor. The interior formally with a slide over five compartments, the central of which would have held an easel mirror. Piece would benefit from a thorough clean. Generally with old marks 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."
Skimbo (op. cit., p.85) refers to a letter sent by William Crawford to Lady Knatchbull on 2 May 1770, informing her that 'according to your Ladyshipe Order I shipt the furniture [which included the present lot] and that Your Ladyship further orders will much oblidge', and notes that full payment of £62 was received in October 1770.
Inventory, 1885, p. 54, in the 'Ivy Chamber';
Inventory, 1926, p. 19, on the first floor landing;
Peter Thornton, ‘The Furnishing of Mersham le Hatch, Part II’, Apollo, June 1970, illustrated, p. 440;
Akiko Skimbo, Furniture Makers and Consumers in England, 1754-1851, 2015, p. 95.
William Crawford (active 1768-83), cabinetmaker and upholsterer, is recorded as working at 228 High Holborn, London. Little is known about him other than in 1778 with William Bond, carver and gilder and Thomas Noble, proprietors of the Casino in Marlborough Street, took out insurance cover for £800. In 1770 he supplied furniture to Sir Edward which, in addition to the present lot, is known to include a mahogany 'Gothic' four post bedstead at £24, a ‘common’ mahogany clothes press at £5 (see lot 255), a basin stand at 10s 6d and a dressing table at £11 5s.