A William and Mary carved walnut and cane chair with armorial cresting rail

with the Royal Coat of Arms flanked by busts, the foliate carved splats with cherubs holding shields bearing the initials 'IR' and branded to the reverse 'RM', one rear upright branded 'HI', the square and bobbin turned legs united by a front stretcher with Royal crown supported by cherubs also branded 'RM' to the reverse, with H-shaped spiral twist stretchers, the rear legs carved with spurious date '1635', on associated feet in the form of birds, together with another William and Mary walnut and cane chair, late 17th century, the back with crown and scroll motifs together with a conforming front stretcher, the seat rails with impressed trellis decoration, rear cresting rail branded 'IS', on scroll feet, some reconstruction and losses (2)

The example with armorial cresting rail is illustrated Tobias Jellinek, Early British Chairs and Seats from 1500 to 1700, Woodbridge, Forthcoming (2009), pl. 187.

Two academic and decorative chairs Armorial chair: Old loss of lion head on cresting, traces of old worm throughout and cane brittle. Spats and three seat rails probably later. The lower carved horizontal rail in the back has a fracture - probably as a result of worm erosion. The associated carved feet fragmented and re-tipped. Good dark colour. Crown and Scroll chair: Good. Partial split in cresting rail and typical slight traces of old worm throughout. Reverse of the lower carved back rail with a crude incised 'B'. Underside of seat with later applied strengthening batons on inner rim of seat rails. Fragmenting on one front foot and in the rear feet. Slight movement in seat frame. Good colour.
"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 two other rare chairs from the same period with similar armorial cresting rails see Ralph Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, Woodbridge, second edition, 1954, Vol. I, figs. 50 and 52.