A SET OF TWELVE GEORGE III CARVED MAHOGANY CHAIRS circa 1785

including two arm chairs and ten side chairs, each with a shield shaped back with a molded frame, the center splat centered by Prince of Wales's feathers above curved molded reed elements issuing from stiff leaves, on a shaped reeded support issuing from stiff leaves flanked by similar curved splats with leaf capitals, joined at the base with a half flower-head patera, the over-upholstered seats with curved fronts and supported on square tapered and paneled legs with spade toes.

Frank Partridge & Sons, London & New York

Sotheby's, New York, Ocrober 21, 1999, lot 257

Overall the carving is still crisp with the usual slight rubbing through use at the extremities. All the legs have the usual rubbing and small losses on the extreme edges and with small losses at the joints with the seat rails. Although there are some original corner ties to the seat rails, the majority of these have been replaced or reinforced with later corner blocks. All the seat rails have losses due to tack damage and there are signs of old worm damage. All the chairs have old age cracks following lines of construction. Two of the side chairs were at one time fitted with arms with in-filled patches at each side. The left front leg of one side chair broke and badly repaired at joint with seat frame. One side chair with modern metal braces to the seat fame. One side chair with old spliced break at right side joint of shield and back leg, and with plug at seat rail, and with replaced left back leg and upright. One side chair with old break and repair to right upright, the leg below with two plugs at seat rail, the other upright with old plugged break at joint with crest rail. One arm chair with old repairs at top of right hand front t leg and old repairs to joints of arms with shields. One arm chair with old repair at joints of arms with shield, both legs with losses at the top joints with seat rail and with tipped toes. All the chairs require re-upholstering. A fine set of chairs with overall old repairs and losses which now require sympathetic restoration by a good cabinetmaker. Overall the surface of the timber is very dry and requires a good polishing with bee's wax which will restore the colour and patination. The Armchairs: Height 37 1/2 inches, 96 cm. Width 23 3/4 inches, 6.5 cm. The Side Chairs: Height 36 1/2 inches, 93 cm.
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.

With their shield shaped backs and pierced splats, these elegant chairs are closely related to a number of designs published by A. Hepplewhite & Company in The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, published in various editions between 1788 and 1794. The authors noted that 'Chairs in general are made of mahogany, with the bars and frame sunk in a hollow, or rising in a round projection, with a band or list on the inner and outer edge. Many of the designs are enriched with ornament proper to be carved in mahogany'.