£1,600
A late 18th-century Maltese walnut and parquetry inlaid chest of drawers. With cubed satinwood and rosewood parquet top, fitted two short over two long drawers flanked by flat reeded pilasters. Supported by simple stile feet. 130 cm long x 54 cm deep 88 cm high.
Footnote: Provenance: Surgeon Rear Admiral James Lawrence-Smith RN (1862-1945), was favoured by Queen Victoria and various members of her family. His services to them were honoured by the Queen herself who made him a Member of the Victorian Order. He was serving in Malta as Surgeon General where he was placed in charge of the famous Bighi Hospital. There, in a scribbled diary, he recorded the very start of the First World War. The French Fleet were stationed in Malta during this period and in honour of his services to so many of their personnel, the French Government made him a Member of The Legion D’Honour with an exquisite porcelain figure marking his Membership, (see separate lot in this sale). The people of Malta, too, honoured him and in gratitude for all that he had done for them they presented him with the gift of this marquetry chest which, with other memorabilia, passed down to his only son, Surgeon Commander Alexander Maxwell Lawrence-Smith. Retained in the family by descent.
Some losses to the parquetry borders, some damage and lifting also to the sides panels
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
31.2% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
27.60% inc VAT*
