ATTRIBUTED TO MAYHEW & INCE, CIRCA 1775

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 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 differs slightly from others in having fluted split-columns to the angles, the upper drawer embellished with ribbon-tied husk 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 incl' premium), and another from the collection of the late Peter Law Esq., sold Christie's, London, 21 May 2015, lot 18 (£50,000 incl' premium)