George III mahogany drum library table

Lot 64, a George III mahogany drum library table, late 18th century, bears six conventional drawers interspersed with six opening by a revolving action, on a turned stem and four outswept legs, terminating in brass lion paw caps and castors.

Mahogany was widely used in the 18th century for cabinets and tables, it possesses a straight, fine and even grain and good workability. Over time its reddish-brown colour darkens and when polished displays a reddish sheen as seen in this drum table up in our November auction. 

Attributed to Thomas Chippendale

Lot 114, a George III mahogany bedside commode, circa 1770, is attributed to Thomas Chippendale. Through applied handwritten labels its provenance can be attributed to W.C. Gore Langton, Newton Park, Bath, and by descent bequeathed to the fifth Earl Temple of Stowe and thence to his nephew, Grenville Gore Langton, in around 1940.

Although no specific commissions for Newton Park by Chippendale have yet been found, he did complete commissions for the Earl Temple at Stowe. It is plausible that the provenance of this piece has become confused over time. A closely comparable pair of bedside commodes are to be found in the Blue bedroom at Dumfries House, and Dumfries is of course one of the most significant commissions for Thomas Chippendale.

A substantial Regency mirror

Lot 181 is significant due to its remarkable proportions, most examples in these materials and from this era are half the size.

Its plate sites within a reeded and ebonised border and ropetwist moulded frame incorporating twin lappet terminals.

18th century paintings

Within the mirror’s reflection we see lot 137, a matched pair of paintings of exotic birds, dating from the first half of the 18th cenury. They are of Aubusson type with the lower painting depicting a Blue Wading Bird, signed ‘EA’ and dated 1735, the top painting a Roseate Spoonbill, signed ‘EA’ and dated 1747.

Both birds are shown in naturalistic settings, and are set within an ebonised and parcel gilt moulded frame. 

George III mahogany chest of drawers

Lot 76, a George III mahogany chest of drawers, dates from circa 1780, and is of small proportions, 71cm high and 69cm high.

It is in highly attractive original condition and colour and its diminutive size makes it a very flexible piece.

Made to commission

This pair of seats are in the French taste, each is carved and pierced throughout, decorated with floral foliate motifs and the cartouche-shaped back above the solid seat is flanked by serpentine shaped and moulded arms.

The unusual blend of design and timbers suggests they could be of Chinese or Indian colonial origin. It seems likely that they were made to commission specifically as a pair and to fit a particular part of a house, perhaps a hallway or landing.

Matched set of mahogany dining chairs

Lot 67, a matched set of twenty mahogany dining chairs, comprises a set of seven George III mahogany dining chairs, circa 1780, together with thirteen further later examples, 20th century, comes to auction with perfect timing, just before the start of the festive season when extra seating for entertaining is always needed.

The group includes two armchairs, each shaped rectangular ‘ladder’ back incorporating pierced splats with a tapering drop in seat above square section legs.

Venetian commode

This Venetian painted and parcel gilt serpentine commode dates from 1760. It is decorated with flowers and birds in cartouche shaped reserves within a crimson lacquer field. It sits on cabriole shaped legs terminating in stylised hoof feet.

The vogue for Italian painted furniture was at its height in the second half of the 18th century, and the popularity of Venice as a key location on the Grand Tour only increased its popularity.

A Private Family Collection

The auction also includes sixteen lots from a Private Family Collection, London, one of which, lot 162, is showing here. The pair of George III folding card tables in semi-elliptical outline are in the manner of Mayhew & Ince, with each rosewood and banded top featuring a vine and berry border, the harewood tablet is decorated with shell and foliate scroll motifs.

The Private Collection features George III mahogany elbow chairs, a George II walnut chest of drawers, a George III satinwood and rosewood banded secretaire bookcase, amongst several other fine Georgian and Regency pieces.

Browse the full catalogue here