Crossbanded overall in tulipwood, the stepped cornice over an inlaid foliate marquetry frieze, the four astragal glazed doors enclosing later fabric-lined adjustable shelves, the lower outer cabinet doors inlaid with Adam-style engraved and marquetry vases, the outermost left door opening to a later filing unit below the floral and foliate linked marquetry frieze that pulls out to reveal a writing service, the central cabinet doors inlaid with engraved marquetry paterae beneath ribbon tied bellflower swags, interiors refitted
96 in. (243.8 cm.) high; 103 in. (261.6 cm.) wide; 23 in. (58.4 cm.) deep

Acquired from Mallett & Son Ltd., London, 1947.
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Advertised in The Connoisseur: An Illustrated Magazine for Collectors, Vol. CXIX, No. 503, March 1947, p.XVII.

Image 8: Mallett & Son advertisement featuring the present lot in The Connoisseur: An Illustrated Magazine for Collectors, Vol. CXIX, No. 503, March 1947, p.XVII.

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Overall structurally sound and ready to use. The marquetry is particularly well-drawn. As mentioned in the catalogue description, the interior has been refitted. With a slightly polished surface and could benefit from further waxing as desired.

The cornice: with later replaced central struts from back to front, together with the majority of the corner blocks for added support. A few areas possibly with replaced veneers throughout and scattered small patches to veneers along the proper left side. The proper right side lacking veneers.

The upper cabinets: refitted with later fabric lined shelves, and previously wired for electricity. The glass of the doors apparently largely original. Scattered small areas with infill and repairs to veneers to the exterior of doors, commensurate with age and use.

The lower cabinets: the exterior with typical scattered small losses, small patches and repairs to veneers and areas with infill throughout. The doors lacking the brass surrounds to keyholes. The proper right outermost section of the upper frieze border is fitted as a drawer which opens to a green leather inset mahogany writing surface with two compartments on each side and lifting open to a further central compartment with two mahogany drawers to the back. The writing surface is situated above the proper right outermost cabinet door, which opens to an interior now fitted with a filing unit. The other cabinet interiors were probably previously further fitted. The proper left outermost cabinet door with old repaired vertical age split down the central panel, not readily noticeable from the front. The proper left central cabinet door panel with a minor vertical age crack visible only from the interior.

The base: the proper right outermost side of the base is lacking a section at the corner, approximately 4 inches in length. This was possibly part of the original construction as the base on this section is attached to the lower cabinet, rather than as part of the separate base piece that the rest of the cabinet sits in. This is probably so that the base can swing open and close with the door, presumably so when someone uses the pull out writing surface their feet do not scuff against the plinth. It is secured from the interior with a plexi-glass lining. The remainder of the base has some replaced blocks and replaced sections of the struts. Please contact the department for further explanation or additional images.

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