CIRCA 1780

The use of the S-pattern keyholes features almost exclusively to Thomas Chippendale, such as on the pair of bookcases supplied to Sir Penistone Lamb for Brocket Hall in 1770-1775 (C. Gilbert, The Live and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. II, figs. 77, 80 and 267) or on the drum table at Brocket Hall and sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 9 July 1998, lot 80. In his 1768 account to Lady Shelburne, Chippendale mentioned that a commode table has 'very good spring and tumbler locks and S-bitted keys' (Gilbert, op. cit., vol. I, p. 253, and vol. II, p. 147, fig. 267). The keyhole pattern has very occasionally been recorded on furniture attributed to Chippendale's competitor John Cobb, for example on the commode sold Christie's New York, 19 April 2001, lot 148.

Chippendale's use of exotic veneers, such as 'guadelupe', is recorded. Another hardwood chest possibly by him with S-pattern lock was sold Christie's, London, 29 November 2001, lot 107.