CIRCA 1730

拍品的狀況可能存在極大差異，而由於其性質使然，拍品難以處於完美無瑕的狀態。拍品均以拍賣時的狀況出售。

Overall in good clean condition and fit for use.
There are the inevitable minor dents marks and scratches and shrinkage cracks due to age and use.
The decoration appears to be largely 20th century with a `speckly' surface and dark wax applied over the japanning. There is evidence on the backs of the drawer fronts of earlier handles but no corresponding evidence on the japanned surfaces. Parts of the fitted interiors (both upper and lower section) display decoration that might be early 18th C, eg the prospect doors and columns.
There are inconsistencies throughout in the timbers used and construction, for example the oak timbers used in the sides of the lower section are rough and may be re-used, the left short drawer front made of pine, the right short drawer front oak, while the long drawer frontas are also pine. Many of the drawer backs are nailed rather than dovetailed. The doors are lap-jointed rather than using mortice-and-tenon.
There is a grey `wash' over the oak and deal secondary timbers which may well have been intended to unify or disguise restoration.
Although not clear, it is likely the bureau cabinet has undergone extensive restoration with some repaired/replaced elements and subsequent re-decoration.