Thomas Molesworth

Commissioned by Bob and Ellen Hunter for Hunter Hereford Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, circa 1945
Fighting Bear Antiques, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1987
Robert and Geraldine Dellenback, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Coeur d'Alene Auction, July 26, 1997, lot 54

Interior West: The Craft & Style of Thomas Molesworth, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming, June 19 - September 10, 1989; Gene Autry Wetern Heritage museum, Los Angeles, California, March 16 - May 22, 1990

Wally Reber and Paul Frees, Interior West: The Craft & Style of Thomas Molesworth, Cody, Wyoming, 1989, p. 27 (illustrated)

Overall in very good original condition. The wood surfaces with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, dents, and some minor areas of rubbing and discoloration, consistent with age and use. There are natural knots, irregularities, and separations in the wood grain, typical for Inland fir, which have been reinforced with wood infill in areas by Molesworth at the time of production; a few of these areas throughout with scattered minor losses to the infill. The leather is original; its surfaces with some creasing and craquelure throughout, and with scattered scuffs, scratches, dents, and instances of rubbing, fading, and discoloration, all consistent with age and use. The chairs all with some wear to the craquelure to the seats and to the edges of some of the arms. The brass tacks overall with some minor surface scratches and areas of rubbing, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle use. One chair with a few minor losses to the infill to the front proper left leg, the largest loss measuring approximately 2 1/8 x 1/8 in. The central stretcher of this chair also with an area of minor abrasions to the wood, the area measuring approximately 3 x ¼ in. The leather throughout to this chair with a few isolated instances of rubbing and residue, the largest located to the center of the seat surface and measuring approximately 1 ¼ x 1 ½ in. The leather to the proper left arm with a more prominent scratch measuring approximately 2 ¾ in. A second chair with a few minor losses to the infill to the rear legs, the largest loss to the proper right foot measuring approximately 1 7/8 x 1/8 in. The rear proper left foot of this chair with a U-shaped mark in black ink measuring approximately 5/8 x 1 in. The wear to the leather of the seat of this same chair with a tear measuring approximately 2 in. long. The wear to the inside and outside edges of the proper right arm slightly more prominent, the areas of wear measuring approximately 6 1/8 in. long each. A third chair with some losses to the infill to the front proper right leg, the largest loss measuring approximately 3 5/8 x 3/16 in. The front proper left leg of this same chair also with a loss to the infill measuring approximately 3 7/8 x 1/8 in. A fourth chair with some areas of fading and faint discoloration to the seatback. Overall a very rare form, documented and exhibited, with thoughtful brass detailing in a variety of decorative sizes.
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.