A FINE GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY LIBRARY ARMCHAIR circa 1765

the over-upholstered back with a serpentine form crest rail above shaped padded arms with scrolled terminals carved with flower heads and foliage trailing over the in swept supports carved with narrow panels with foliate scrolls at each end, the upholstered seat with a serpentine front, the seat rail centered by a foliate enclosed cabochon flanked by foliate scrolls and with incised panels, the edges with C-scrolls with foliate clasps, the sides similarly ornamented, continuing to cabriole legs carved at the knees with acanthus leaves and similarly panelled and edged with C-scrolls, with scroll toes on leather castors, the back legs of similar form.

In unrestored condition. The exceptional mahogany used in the construction has a very good old untouched surface, with a good old waxed patination. Carving very crisp with usual slight rubbing particularly on the toes and slight lisses to the edge of scrolls. The construction of the arms and seat rails slightly loose overall, the joints requiring gluing. The chair appears to retain its original leather wheeled castors. The inner beech frame of the seat has old worm damage with losses which require strengthening and consolidation. The back rail has an added screws-on wood support. The brackets are original except for one which is iron. The seat and arms are later upholstered, the back retaining the old canvas backing and blue threads for the original tufting.
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.

This fine armchair, which is made of finely grained mahogany, with finely detailed carving and good old patination, is attributed to the workshop of John Cobb (c. 1715-78) of 72 St. Martin's Lane. In 1751, Cobb, who was the son-in-law if the eminent cabinet-maker Giles Grendey, entered into partnership with the Royal Cabinet Maker, William Vile, who retired in 1764. The chair, with its richly carved and shaped frame is of a type described in contemporary pattern books, such as Chippendale's Director, as 'French', its profile being derived from contemporary French examples designed in the rococo taste.

Its attribution to Cobb is based on its similarity to other examples of similar profile and carved detail which includes a suite of seat furniture chairs commissioned by Sir George Lyttleton, 5^th Bt. and Ist Baron Lyttleton of Frankley, for the Saloon at Hagley Hall, Worcestershire (See: Christie's, London, June 4, 2001, lot 51). Other suites of seat furniture of a related form were supplied to George II Earl of Pomfret, circa 1764, for Easton Neston (See: Sotheby's, London, March 7, 2007, lots 55-57). Another giltwood suite was supplied to the Earl of Coventry for Croome Court, the account, dated 1768, describing them as '8 French pattern chairs arm'd Chairs Carv'd and gilt burnish' gold, with hollow backs stuffed & quilted in Linnen' (See: G. Beard and J. Goodison, English Furniture 1500-1840, London, Oxford, 1987, p. 137, figs. 4,5). It is interesting to note that the profile of the back of the present chair, which swell out at the base, is identical to the Croome court chairs, and that it also retains the inner linen lining, the reverse of which retains knotted blue threads which would have originally retained the tufting.