18th Century Georgian Demi-Lune Commode of Satinwood, Tulipwood and Harewood

Object Description

A fine and important George III period demilune Commode of rare small size and classical form, decorated with marquetry veneers of satinwood, tulipwood, harewood and other exotic timbers, enriched with cast and gilt metal mounts, in the manner of John Linnell, circa 1790. There are flower sprays depicted in the vase paterae, considered to be a feature exclusive to Linnell. The single door is opened with a turnkey via a camouflaged escutcheon enabling access to the concealed frieze drawer by means of a spring catch inside.

Object History

Acquired by John Bly directly from a private titled collector. Subsequent detailed research has provided compelling evidence to support the attribution to the workshops of John Linnell.

Object Condition

The Back comprises two unfinished boards of unequal size, where natural age related shrinkage has left a 5cm gap. A series of small air holes along the top are for ventilation suggesting the commode was used for documents of some importance, supported by the existence of :-
The concealed Frieze Drawer, which is only accessible when the cupboard door is opened and a spring button under the top lining is depressed. This releases another spring mounted on the back boards which propels the drawer forwards. When removed there are signs of use and wear on the drawer housing shelf and the exterior of back of the drawer has random black marks. As a note of high quality the catch mechanism on the underside of the drawer is polished and lacquered brass. The Drawer linings are of fine cut mahogany.
The Top veneers show signs of normal careful use and slight timber movement, with small areas of unevenness and ancient tiny cracks, *please see photographs, indicating no restoration has been attempted, typical of permanent family ownership.
Contd…
2.
The Gilt and Lacquered Brass Border has a small area of
discolouration to the front.
The Door has a small area of discolouration in one of the diametric marquetry panels to the upper front slightly to the right. The inside of the door is finished appropriately as is the inside of the piece.
The Side Panels are complete. The left one has an originally concealed hole for the turn key to open the door on a spring catch. Frequent albeit careful use has caused some minor wear around the keyhole.
The Legs are decorated with marquetry and retain their original cast and chaste gilded square cup terminals and squared ball feet.
Summation.
This Commode bears all the marks of fine pedigree, and having been cared for as such, used but carefully curated, for more than two hundred years I have to say that in my experienced opinion its condition is in most areas excellent and in all areas very fine.

Object Details