A Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Upholstered Open Armchair, Possibly from the cabinet shop of Samuel Walton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa 1775

Retains an old finish.

John S. Walton, Inc., New York

secondary wood is poplar; a 4 inch splice to proper left rear foot; brackets cracked and re-glued but appear to be original; retains a dark surface; corners of front leg abraided and dented; minor patches to 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.

Though common in England, upholstered chairs with open arms were rare in America because of their significant upholstery costs.  Such chairs were based upon patterns for "French Chairs" published in Chippendale's Director, and the most elaborate American versions of the form were made in Philadelphia, where this open armchair originated.¹ It displays a sophisticated design embellished with pierced corner brackets and an astragal beading centering the downswept arm supports and square molded legs. Very similar brackets and beading are found on a side chair signed by the Philadelphia cabinetmaker, Samuel Walton.² That chair and five others from the same set were sold in these rooms, Important Americana from the Collection of Diane and Norman Bernstein, The Lindens, Washington, D.C., January 22, 2006, sale 8160, lot 172.

Samuel Walton is cited as a joiner in the Philadelphia tax list of 1783 paying the occupational tax of £55 and renting property from Samuel Rhoads valued at £600. In 1785, he advertised in the Pennsylvania Mercury that he "Makes and sells all kinds of Household Furniture, of the newest and most elegant patterns, which have been lately imported from Europe." A bill of sale dated March 15, 1785 records that he supplied Rev. Dr. Robert Blackwell with "eight Chairs & a Sophy" priced at £36, for his house at 224 Pine Street. He is again listed as a joiner in the 1786 tax list with taxable property consisting of a house and lot valued at £850 and 1 servant.³

William M. Hornor illustrates a Philadelphia upholstered armchair with related beading as the "Thomas Fisher of Wakefield Easy Chair" with "Miss Annie Woodnut" possessing "the mate which was owned by Samuel Carpenter."⁴  Similar beading and brackets are known on a marble-top sideboard table made for Governor John Penn and attributed by Hornor to Thomas Affleck (1740-1795).⁵

¹ Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker's Director, London, 1762, pl. XIX.
² See William M. Hornor, Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture, (Philadelphia, PA: 1935), pl. 274.
³ Hornor, pp. 188, 321, and 326.
⁴ Ibid, pl. 277.
⁵ Ibid, pl. 261.