Dreweatts 1759
Lot 239
Y A GEORGE III SATINWOOD AND ROSEWOOD CABINET ON STAND ATTRIBUTED TO INCE & MAYHEW, CIRCA 1780 Inset with sixteen Chinese carved stone inset and bamboo panels, Qianlong Period 1736-1795 The central cupboard door opening to two shaped graduated shelves 122cm high, 62.5cm wide, 34.5cm deepA pair of tables incorporating similar inset panels are held at Osterley Park & House, London (Ref NT 771860)The incorporation of earlier elements into pieces, like the Chinese bamboo panels seen on this cabinet, is a know characteristic of the work of Ince & Mayhew. For a cabinet on stand by the firm and incorporating inset earlier panels (but pietra dura), see H. Roberts and C. Cator, INDUSTRY AND INGENUITY: The partnership of William Ince and John Mayhew, page 290, figure 101 (currently held in the Victoria & Albert Museum). A remarkably similar cabinet on stand, also attributed to Ince & Mayhew was possibly commissioned for The Astley Family, Melton Constable, Norfolk, circa 1770. Please note, Dreweatts have applied for a de minimis exemption licence for the ivory in this lot (Ref: Y28DSRVU) Please note, the provenance for this lot has been revised and the description is different to that stated in the printed catalogue. Condition Report: Marks, scratches and abrasions, comensurate with age and use.Minor old chips and splits comensurate with age and use.Some fading, some old repairs and replacements. Various, fading, staining, discoloration and some splits to the Chinese panels. Various old losses to the soapstone elements. (see additional images) The stand appears original. The twin rear oak panels to the cabinet section have some age but are likely replacements. They also vary from eachother. They have been secured with later screws. The rear panels conceal an interesting and unusual 'locking' mechanism whereby a simple action allows the drawers (except for the lowest central drawer) to be 'locked' by the metal hooked elements of the frame. A simple element (or elements) of the action appear to be lacking as the action would need to be pulled downwards to 'lock' the drawers (whilst the 'spring' action present enables it to 'spring' upwards to release it.) There is a small hole towards the rear edge of the 'floor' of the cabinet where perhaps a 'string' may have come through that could be pulled to 'lock' the drawer mechanism possibly. When inspected from the interior of the carcass (with drawers removed) , the reverse side of the panels to the top and the sides of the cabinet are visible as roughly cut rectangular sections of timber that would have covered the reverse of the panels have been cut out. This has been crudely done so appears certainly to have been done at a later date and not originally when the cabinet was made. It is difficult to know why these elements have been cut out. Some areas of the carved soapstone borders appear possibly slightly mismatched, some elements appear to have been re-glued or possibly replaced. The drawer linings are all solid mahogany. The door lock appears original and key present to operate it. The lock is lacking one screw.There are slender section of moulding securing the Chinese panels of the door from the reverse side. Some of these mouldings are now lacking (see additional images) Please refer to the additional images available via email for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
