The serpentine fronted top with canted corners above a brushing slide and four graduated drawers. The slide and drawers retain their original handles and escutcheons and the commode stands on its original pierced bracket feet. To each canted corner is boldly carved foliage entwined with 'Gothik' tracery.

The commode has faded to a golden colour which accentuates the figure in the wood and the somewhat elaborate handles and escutcheons help date the piece firmly in the rococo period.

English, Circa 1765

Whilst the design of the carving on the canted corners is very distinctive and may well lead to further information in time, it is the unusual panelled and pierced bracket feet that have produced the most interesting comparisons to date.

Firstly, a commode in the Noel Terry Collection which has similarly panelled bracket feet and was originally made for Sir Denzil Cope BT, at Bramshill Park, Hampshire. Early photographs of the interior of the house illustrate an impressive selection of furniture, many pieces taking their inspiration from designs by Robert Manwaring and John Linnell.

Another comparison may be made to 'A mahogany press for linen' supplied for Buckingham Palace in 1770 by John Bradburn, which also has panelled bracket feet.

Additionally, the commode is almost identical, and certainly by the same hand, as a commode formerly in the collection of Lord Addington, Addington Manor, Winslow, Bucks. Illustrated in 'A Catalogue & Index of Old Furniture and Works of Decorative Art'. Part II. Plate 239. Published By M. Harris & Sons.

'Chippendale Furniture' by Anthony Coleridge, plate 388
The Noel Terry Collection of Furniture & Clocks. Plate 74
'A Catalogue & Index of Old Furniture and Works of Decorative Art'. Part II. Plate 239. Published By M. Harris & Sons.

Height: 33 " 84.5cm

Width: 46" 117cm

Depth: 22 " 58cm