A pair of Italian carved walnut savonarola armchairs, Tuscan 16th century

each incised on back with a shield and on the reverse with a cross flanked by the letter GB

Joints sound and sturdy. Some old minor restorations especially to the splats in the seat. Evidence of old very minor worm which appears to be no longer active. In overall good conserved condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Roberta Ferrazza, Palazzo Davanzati e le collezioni di Elia Volpi, Firenze, 1994, p. 160, fig. 149, where a virtually identical armchair is illustrated in situ in the studiolo on the second floor of the Palazzo Davanzati, in a photograph circa 1910-1916. Many further examples, two of which are in the Museo Nazionale, Firenze, are illustrated by Mario Tinti, Il Mobilio Fiorentino, Milano-Roma,  plate CCLXXXI.

Various examples of this type of armchair were sold from the Elia Volpi collection, New York, 1917, lots 403 and 407.

A pair of very similar armchairs with the same incised shield on the back was sold as lot 23, in these Rooms, Renaissance Furniture & Works of Art from Villa Ca'Del Sole, Capri, 28th October 2004.