AN EARLY GEORGE III ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY COMMODE

This subtly bowed commode, veneered in beautifully figured mahogany and ormolu-mounted in the French manner is characteristic of the Royal cabinet-maker John Cobb (d. 1785). John Cobb established his partnership with William Vile (d.1767) in circa 1751, and were among the accomplished cabinet-makers of the mid-Georgian period. Their work is characterized by confident lines, well-chosen, high-quality timber and beautifully detailed carving. This elegant commode is designed in the George III 'French' taste, and features foliate handles with fixed bails typical of this style. The pierced angle mounts and drop handles are comparable to a number of bombé form commodes by Cobb, often similarly raised on cabriole legs ending in sabots. A pair of commodes with nearly identical pierced foliate handles and mounts to the apron were commissioned by the Duke of Norfolk and supplied to Nofolk House, London (one illustrated in A. Coleridge, Chippendale Furniture, New York, 1968, fig. 234).