A Commonwealth carved oak panel back armchair, Gloucestershire / Somerset mid-17th century

the scroll cresting and strapwork frieze above a panel with arch and central lozenge motif, with a boarded seat, the square and baluster turned legs joined by peripheral stretchers

Good and attractive colour throughout. Some black marks and indents on arms and also the seat. Some fragmenting on the seat. Rear Stretcher rail with old knotting on reverse. Fragmenting and old worm to feet.
"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."

For another panel back armchair which features a similar scrolled cresting rail above a top rail with strap work and conjoined heart motifs see The Oak and Country Sale, Sotheby's Olympia, 27th September 2001, lot 227. This chair had provenance from Dorset.

A similar chair was exhibited in 1976 in an exhibition entitled 'Oak Furniture from Gloucestershire and Somerset' at Temple Newsam Leeds and then through Bristol City Museums and Gallery. It would seem that the use of carved conjoined heart motifs is typical of work from this area.