ATTRIBUTED TO MAYHEW & INCE, CIRCA 1780

The commode is one of a distinct group featuring slightly concave drawer fronts with projecting fluted angles headed by oval sunflower paterae, tapering spiral-fluted legs and ebonised decoration, which are attributed to the Golden Square, London, cabinet-makers Messrs. Mayhew and Ince. The most distinguished of these is the commode supplied circa 1773 – 75 to George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea and 4th Earl of Nottingham for Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutland. Executed in fustic, wenge and mahogany, it differed slightly from others in having fluted split-columns to the angles, the upper drawer embellished with ribbon-tied husk swags and swags (R. Edwards & P. Macquoid, Dictionary of English Furniture, vol. II, 1954, p. 52, fig. 56).
Other commodes that correspond closely to the present lot include one bearing the same pattern of handle, sold anonymously Christie’s, London, 4 July 1996, lot 389 (£29,900 including premium), and another formerly from the Leidersdorf Collection with characteristic Mayhew wreath handles (as with the Burley-on-the-Hill commode) sold Sotheby’s, London, 10 February 1989, lot 82 (£24,200 including premium).