A good George III mahogany, serpentine fronted chest of drawers, or commode, crossbanded and inlaid with floral marquetry and boxwood stringing, the moulded top with a central oval panel above 4 well-figured, graduated and cock-beaded long drawers, flanked on each side by a canted corner inlaid with a trailing floral festoon, the sides of the commode curved, raised on shaped bracket feet, inlaid with stringing and unusually the each front canted corner inlaid with a stylised acanthus-type flower, some minor damage, losses and restoration, 109cm wide x 64cm deep x 97.5cm high

A private Herefordshire estate.

It is common to find the canted corners of these late 18th century chests showing blind fretwork, but unusual to find them inlaid. It is still more rare to see marquetry decoration and more rare still to see the canted corners of the bracket feet inlaid with marquetry. This example has both these features. it begs the question, who made this. Lot 64 sold on the 18th of November 2009 at Bonhams Bond Street for £19,200 (including premium), shares very similar marquetry canted corners. The floral pendants are strikingly alike, but there are no other significant comparisons to be made.

Clearly, the maker of this commode was of note. Whether it was someone like Henry Kettle, who incorporated oval medallion inlaid tops and inlaid canted corners on his George III serpentine fronted mahogany commodes (see lot 44 in Bonhams' Bond Street sale on the 11th of march 2015), it is difficult to say.

Henry Kettle was based in 18 St Paul's Church Yard, London, from circa 1773. In 1774 he took over Philip Bells' business (number 23 St Paul's Church Yard). He is known to have operated until circa 1797 and to have made shaped chests, or commodes, as well as wardrobes, Pembroke tables and bookcases. He supplied Saltram house, Devon and Wolverley House in Worcestershire; other commissions included Longford Hall, Salop.

Condition Report

Some damage including chips along back edges and especially lower edge of moulding beneath bottom drawer and 14cm vertical crack back of left side. Dents consistent with age and use, including canted corners and top. Top with old patinated ring stains and marks and slight loss of colour.

Losses, including 3cm x 2cm patch back left of top, 6cm section back of right side edge and much of border veneers of bracket feet. Water staining on feet.

Restorations, including 5cm x 5cm rectangular patch and 2cm circular patch front left of top and left side of oval panel. Later handles, but sensitively done and so no visible dowels etc.

Overall lovely colour, figuring and originality.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.