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 compartment later fitted for a filing unit, below the floral and foliate linked marquetry frieze pulling out to reveal a writing surface, the central cabinet doors inlaid with engraved marquetry paterae beneath ribbon tied bellflower swags, the 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, in 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.

Final image: 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.
Please note this lot will be moved to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS in Red Hook, Brooklyn) at 5pm on the last day of the sale. Lots may not be collected during the day of their move to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk and will be sent with your invoice.

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Lot Essay

This marquetry bookcase is firmly attributed to the cabinet-making partnership of William Ince (1737-1804) and John Mayhew (1736-1811) of Broad Street, Soho. The overall form, glazing pattern of the cabinet doors, and marquetry designs closely resemble those on a comparable breakfront bookcase from the Harrowby Collection, by Ince & Mayhew and possibly originally made for the 3rd Earl of Bute circa 1780. It is similarly constructed of harewood, satinwood, and rosewood marquetry (C. Cator & H. Roberts, Industry and Ingenuity: The Partnership of William Ince and John Mayhew, London, 2023, p. 282, ill. p. 225, fig. 7). A further example from Upton Grey House, Hampshire, is illustrated in a 1930s Moss Harris catalogue, An Abridged Introductory of Antique Furniture and Works of Art (p. 88, no. F9227). Furthermore, the marquetry ribbon-tied roundels on inner lower cabinet doors relate to those on a pair of commodes made for the Duke of Marlborough, circa 1780, and the marquetry urns with acanthus leaves seen on the outer doors of this bookcase are similar to the designs on a commode made for Lord Clive circa 1775 (C. Cator & H. Roberts, Industry and Ingenuity: The Partnership of William Ince and John Mayhew, London, 2023, p. 152, 158, ill. p. 314, fig. 172, p. 323, fig. 202).

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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 with replaced 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, formerly fitted with a filing unit which has no been removed. 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 with a replaced section at the corner, approximately 4 inches in length. . The remainder of the base has some replaced blocks and replaced sections of the struts for added support.

Print Report