Gout is not a very common ailment today and so there may not be quite as much interest as would once have been the case in two lots being sold by Sheppard's of Durrow, Co Laois next Wednesday.
These are Regency mahogany and leather gout stools, designed for gentlemen suffering from the condition who feel the need to rest their feet. Lots 369 and 370, they are both attractive items and therefore carry pre-sale estimates of £800-£1,200 each. As always at such events, there is an abundance of furniture among the 500-odd lots, not least a rather distinguished-looking late 17th century oysterwood bureau plat featuring seven bow-front drawers beneath the rectangular top, as well as a recessed panelled door, all above square-tapered legs terminating on brass feet. Lot 204, it is expected to make £5,000-£8,000.
A higher estimate has been given to lot 226, a George I Irish giltwood console table with rectangular carved top, typical bold scallop carved apron and pad feet (£10,000-£15,000). French or French-inspired furniture has always had a keen following in this country and there are several such lots in the Sheppard's sale, such as number 234, a pair of kingwood and ormolu-mounted pier cabinets with marble serpentine-fronted tops. In each case, below is a single frieze drawer and two cabinet doors, the whole raised on cabriole legs terminating in scroll sabots (£3,000-£5,000). Then there is lot 361a, a 19th century walnut and ormolu-mounted dwarf bookcase with an elongated serpentine top above an inlaid frieze over three open shelves between cabriole pillars (£3,500-£5,000).
And another French lot is 286, a pair of 19th century giltwood fauteuils, each with oval tapestry back and curved seat between shaped arms (£1,500-£2,000). Inlaid work is equally popular and should lead to interest in lot 283, a 19th century mahogany and marquetry blanket chest, the two upper doors of which are profusely inlaid in a design of garlands and musical instruments with similar decoration on the two short and two long drawers beneath (£3,000-£4,000). Just as handsome is lot 281, a Victorian walnut and marquetry library table, its rectangular top decorated with floral marquetry (£1,500-£2,500) and 251, an Edwardian mahogany and inlay corner cabinet with two glazed doors in the upper section and a pair of curved satinwood doors beneath (£2,000-£3,000).
Finally, it is worth pointing out a number of other fine furniture lots certain to excite keen bidding during the same sale. These include lot 256, a pair of rococo-style giltwood pier mirrors surmounted by a spread-winged bird (£2,000-£3,000), lot 390, a William IV rosewood tea table on a platform quadripod (£1,500-£2,000), lot 337, a Georgian mahogany and inlay card table (£1,200-£1,800) and lot 314, a substantial-looking 19th century mahogany console table (£3,000-£4,000). The sale at Sheppard's begins at 2 p.m.
