A SUPERB QUALITY FIDDLEBACK AND FLAME MAHOGANY TWO DOOR COMMODE

11321 A SUPERB QUALITY FIDDLEBACK AND FLAME MAHOGANY TWO DOOR COMMODE IN THE MANNER OF OR BY THOMAS SHEARER WITH MOST UNUSUAL BOXWOOD AND EBONY INLAY AND FITTED VANITY DRAWER English. Circa 1790. Measurements: Height: 35″(89 cm) Width: 38 1/2″ (97.8 cm) Depth: 22″ (55.9 cm).

Of fiddleback and flame mahogany with boxwood and ebony inlay and gilt-brass mounts. The finely figured ‘cupid’s bow’ shaped top with boxwood line inlaid edge rests upon a conforming base consisting of a pair of cupboard doors centered by oval flame mahogany reserves surrounded by most unusual boxwood inlaid meander pattern “frames.” The single frieze velvet covered writing drawer extensively fitted with a variety of appurtenances, centered by a finely painted cartouche-shaped ratcheted mirror. The whole raised upon four square tapering feet. Some appurtenances lacking.

Exhibited and Illustrated:
In the Days of Queen Charlotte: An Exhibition of Furniture and Works of Art used in English homes in the second half of the eighteenth century. Arranged by Luton Public Museum, Bedfordshire, in collaboration with The British Antique Dealers’ Association. May 11- June 11, 1939. No. 62. (Figure 1)

Published:
“Antique Furniture Made to Measure” by R.W. Symonds, The Antique Collector, February 1957, Page 18, figure 7a and 7b.
Chiesa, G. La Mobilia Inglese Del ‘700. Mailand: Görlich, 1971. Page 79, Plate 80.

Provenance:

J. M. Botibol, London
Sold at Christie’s London, Important English Furniture, 6 July 1967, Lot 109.
With Spink & Son, London, 1971
Private New York Collection

Full research report available on request.