A set of nine George III mahogany dining chairs circa 1770

probably made by a provincial cabinet maker, including a pair of open armchairs, with pierced vase splats and stuff-over seats on square chamfered legs, each seat with foliate crewel work 

Illustrated Gordon Nares, Country Life, Newton Surmaville, Somerset - III, September 19th 1952, p. 846, fig. 6, in the drawing room.

Good condition, the elbow chairs and one other chair have been slightly reduced in height. So there are height variations notable when the chairs are around the table. This can probably be easily fixed. The elbow chairs both have repaired breaks to the underside of the arms and repairs to the joints of the cresting rails. One of the side chairs has a repaired break to a back leg. Some of the chairs have cracks to the splats. The chairs would have originally had drop in seats. It may well be that the tenth chair was sacrificed to repair the set - but many, many years ago. Many old marks and scratches commensurate with age throughout. The seats will require a thorough clean. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It is highly likely that the embroidered seat covers were worked by Mrs Bates Harbin at some point in the 1930's.