A GEORGE II MAHOGANY READING-TABLE with moulded rectangular adjustable hinged top and fitted reading-slop-stop above two short and one long mahogany-lined fitted frieze drawers, on telescopic turned fluted columnar shaft and tripod base with cabriole legs and pointed pad feet, brass casters and leather runners

The Property of THE ST. GERMANS 1962 SETTLEMENT The following eight lots are from Port Eliot, St. Germans, Cornwall, home of the Eliot family since the mid-16th century. One of the earliest members of the family to have been born there was the legendary parliamentarian and scourge of Charles I, Sir John Eliot (b. 1590 and who died imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1632). The family were created Lords Eliot in 1784 and Earls of St. Germans in 1815. The house was originally a priory and the abbey church still stands adjacent to the house. Extensive alterations were carried out to the house by Sir John Soane in 1802-6.

Details

Provenance

Probably supplied to Edward Eliot (1727-1804), 1st Baron Eliot.
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Lot Essay

This writing-table with its adjustable hinged top follows a popular mid-18th century design. Similar models are illustrated on a cabinet-makers's trade card of the late George III period (Victoria & Albert Museum, no. E2320-1889). Another related model is illustrated in John Mayhew and William Ince, The Universal System of Household Furniture, London, 1759-1763, pl. XXVI

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