A set of four George II walnut side chairs in the manner of William Hallett circa 1740

each chair with a brass plaque respectively stamped with a number: 106; 109; 113; 114.

Overall restored condition; each originally fitted with casters, the front feet now filled with wood blocks; each now with springing; extensive worm damage to the rails with repairs at joins of legs and rails. Chair '106' with later plywood supports to the side rails; three brackets with a screw; one bracket with a dowel plug; slight variation to carving of the left and right legs. Chair '109' with dowel plugs to each underside of bracket; one bracket with a screw; another with a drilled hole; later screws to underside of front rail at join with front left leg; wood block to back of front right leg. Chair '113' with dowel plugs to four brackets; plywood support to inside edge of side rails. Chair '114' with dowel plugs to five brackets; the front legs each with pegs to inside edge at joins with front sea rail. Overall, the feet with scuffs and wear to the carving and finish; overall with some old marks, scratches scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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 present suite of chairs bears similarity to the work of William Hallett, one of the most successful cabinet makers of the second quarter of the eighteenth century.  The use of the turned collar above the claw-and-ball foot is evident in much of Hallett's work, including a suite of side chairs commissioned by Arthur Ingram, 6^th Viscount Irwin, in 1735 for his London residence, and removed to Temple Newsam House, his country seat, in 1736.  This suite was sold first in 1922 and again, Sotheby's London, June 24, 1966, lot 127.  It was discussed by Christopher Gilbert, 'Newly Discovered Furniture by William Hallett', The Connoisseur, December 1964, pp. 224-225.  Another similar chair is illustrated in Ralph Edwards, English Chairs, London, 1970, 3^rd ed., no. 56.  A settee by Hallett with similar legs was sold, Christie's, London, July 1, 2004, lot 26 and another sold, Sotheby's, London, November 15, 1996, lot 29.