A George III mahogany serpentine library table attributed to Ince & Mayhew.

Note: The library table retains its original leather insert and circular ormolu handles. The locks are also original and were specially made to fit with the position of the handles. Being flush fitted, the locks follow the shape of the drawer front, and some are therefore curved at the back. The pull-out writing slope fitted on one side of the kneehole is original. The kneehole retains the original and ingenious brass inlaid corners to the plinth base, which have protected the edges from damage.

The library table is fitted with three frieze drawers to each side above shaped pedestal doors. Three of the doors reveal a single adjustable shelf, while the fourth pedestal cupboard is fitted with pigeonholes.

The unusual shape, exceptional craftsmanship and use of unusual contrasting veneers like lignum vitae, as well as the distinctive handle resembling a marigold flower, are all typical of the output of the London cabinet-makers Ince & Mayhew. A virtually identical example, without doubt by the same maker, was formerly in the celebrated collection of H. H. Mulliner and is illustrated in his book on the collection.

The design drawing for the striking handles with central escutcheon is illustrated in Margaret Jourdain’s English Decoration and Furniture of the Later 18th Century.