A Very Fine and Rare William and Mary Blue-Painted Ladder Back Armchair, Delaware River Valley, circa 1760

has lost approximately 1 ½ inches to rear legs
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.

The slats arched on both the top and bottom edges, the pointed bulb finils, the plain tapered stiles, the flattened undercut arms, the ball-ring-ball and the ball and ring feet identify this example as a product of the Delaware River Valley.  The turner who made the chair was a master craftsman, for considerable skill is exhibited in the repition of parts comprising the design.  A similar slat-back maple armchair is in the collections of the Henry Ford Museum (see Helen Comstock, American Furniture, (New York: Viking Press, 1962), no. 35.  Another is illustrated in American Antiques from the Israel Sack Collection, vol 8, (Washington, D.C.: Highland House Publishers, 1986), pp. 2319, no. P5821. Another closely related example sold at Sotheby's New York, The Collection of Alice and Murry Braunfeld, January 17, 2004, sale no. 7961, lot 1163 for $108,000.