A pair of George III giltwood armchairs circa 1780

each upholstered rectangular back rest within a beaded frame flanked by downswept armrests raised on C-scroll supports above an over-upholstered seat above a fluted frieze centered to the front by three flowerhead roundels and raised on fluted square tapering legs headed by oval flowerhead paterae.  The underside marked B2163 in red chalk.

Stair & Company, New York
sold in these rooms, October 20-21, 2003, lot 393

Gilding later possibly originally painted; the first with old repair to flower-head to top right corner of cresting rail; loss to center of central flower head to seat apron; losses and replacements to flower head of base of right armrest support; the other chair with loss to flower head to left corner of cresting rail; repairs to left flower head to base of left armrest support; numerous chips and losses to gilding and gesso mainly to corners of legs and to extremities; some light flaking to gilding in places and with areas of inpainting.
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.