Late 18th / Early 19th-Century Demi-Lune Sideboard

A fine late 18th / early 19th-century demi-lune sideboard, beautifully proportioned and constructed in richly figured mahogany, standing on elegant tapering square legs terminating in spade feet. The shaped top follows the serpentine outline of the case and displays a lovely depth of colour and patina. Below, the façade is gently bow-fronted and centred by a full-width drawer, fitted with ornate original brass handles and retaining its original working lock. To either side are curved cupboard doors, each enclosing shelved storage, making the piece both practical and refined. The doors and drawer fronts are decorated with delicate satinwood stringing and subtle line inlay, adding restrained decoration without overpowering the form. The apron beneath the drawer is attractively shaped, echoing the curve of the front, and the whole sits lightly and confidently on its legs — very much the mark of good period design rather than later Victorian heaviness. Inside, the construction shows quality craftsmanship throughout, with solid drawer linings and well-fitted doors, consistent with furniture made for a well-to-do household rather than purely decorative use. •   The curved cupboard doors follow the original demi-lune form, but there is slight outward bowing along the vertical edges, most noticeable where the doors meet the centre stile    •   The gaps are consistent top to bottom, which is key — that tells us this has happened slowly over 200+ years, not recently or through damp shock    •   Hinges look original / early, not reset aggressively    •   Doors still close and seat, but they’re not laser-straight (nor should they be) This is normal and acceptable for a Georgian bow-front piece — but it does affect price, because modern buyers (and Instagram zoomers) expect perfection that never existed.