Lot 925
  • 925

A FINE AND RARE WILLIAM AND MARY JOINED AND TURNED MAPLE AND OAK 'LEATHER-BACK' SIDE CHAIR, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1715 |

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • Height 45 1/2 in.; 115.6 cm.
retains an early historic possibly original surface; with a typical Boston area turned front stretcher and tapered stiles. (Illustrated opposite)

Provenance

John S. Walton, Griswold, Connecticut, February 1976;
Vogel Collection no. 237.

Condition

Overall fine condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. The proper right finial was previously cracked and reglued at the socle. The proper front right leg was previously cracked and reglued at the junction with the side and front seat rails. Front feet appear to have lost their lower second compressed ball turning. Width: 18 in.; Depth 15 in.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This chair represents the subsequent design style adopted by Boston chairmakers after the emergence of the early Baroque style.  The stile turnings are conical and finished with small filleted rings while the finials have become more robust and well defined. Interestingly, side chairs with this stile design and lacking a baluster turning have the standard Boston front stretcher whereas side chairs that have slightly more completely turned stiles with balusters turnings have the later opposing baluster front stretcher.  For additional information on this chair and its antecedents see a forthcoming article by Erik K. Gronning, “Luxury of Choice: Boston’s Early Baroque Seating Furniture,” American Furniture 2018, ed. Luke Beckerdite, (Milwaukee, WI: Chipstone Foundation, 2018).