A George III mahogany armchair

Top rail possibly replaced, restorations, seat formerly caned.

Top rail possibly replaced, restorations, seat formerly caned; overall good condition; old repaired break to finial of cresting rail now with a later brace to the back; the seat rails originally caned, now with later supports for a later drop-in seat and showing channels for caning; the back rail with later veneered top; old worm damage to seat rails; chip to gadrooned molding of front right leg; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises and with minor nicks to carving.
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 maker of the present chair drew inspiration from a variety of printed design sources: Ince and Mayhew illustrate a design for a 'Dressing Chair' in The Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, pl. XXXV, the pierced backrest being almost identical to the present chair.  Thomas Chippendale in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1763, 3^rd ed., describes similar chairs 'after the Chinese manner, and very proper for a Lady's Dressing Room, especially if it is hung with India Paper.  They will likewise suit Chinese Temples'.  The pattern for the fret-carved armrest sides could have been adapted from any number of sources, including Thomas Chippendale's Director, 1754, for 'Chinese Chairs' pl. XXIV, and the patterns for the legs, op. cit., pls. XXIII-XXV.  A related armchair with pagoda cresting and 'Chinese' backrest from a set of two armchairs and ten side chairs formerly at Normanton Hall and possibly by Chippendale is illustrated by C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, vol. II, p. 101, fig. 167.