Reference: 5050834

The commode has a serpentine front and sides with a well figured top carved with a leaf pattern to the edge. Below is a baize lined brushing slide, over four long graduated cock-beaded drawers, each with original gilt brass handles and escutcheon liners. The canted corners carved with shells, trailing fruit, flowers and acorns, above a leaf-carved bottom moulding, all raised on carved ogee bracket feet. The commode is an excellent colour and is well patinated throughout.

This exceptional piece, which is very much in the Chippendale manner and certainly of a quality to suggest a leading London Cabinet-Maker, compares favourably with a commode illustrated in Marked London Furniture by Gilbert which has Philip Bell's trade label attached.
Philip Bell was probably the son of Henry and Elizabeth Bell from whom he succeeded in the business established at the White Swan, St. Paul's Churchyard. Interestingly, when he decided to update his trade card he employed Matthias Darly, the same man responsible for many of the drawings in Chippendale's Director.

Marked London Furniture by Gilbert. Plate 89, Page 94
Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660 - 1840.