A fine pair of George III mahogany armchairs chairs circa 1770

each upholstered shaped backrest and overupholstered serpentine seat flanked by shaped armrests on voluted supports, raised on shell-carved cabriole legs ending in scrolled toes; each chair bearing a printed partial label: H Leyborne-Popham, / Huntstrete House, / Pensford, / Nr. Bristol. Restorations, one with reinforced rails.

H. F. A. Leyborne-Popham, Huntstrete House

Ovearll fair restored condition; nice dry surface and honey color to mahogany armrest supports and legs; the first front left scrolled handhold slight loose from support; old repaired inpainted break to right scrolled handhold at join and with chip to top of armrest support at join with handhold; front left side bracket with separation from leg but stable; extensive old worm damage to rails; the front rail reinforced with later blocks and rails; the front to legs with later corner block supports; sun fading with to back left leg and front left leg; the second chair with a repaired break to left armrest support below the hand hold and now with a plug; right hand hold with a chip to scroll carving and slightly loose from armrest support; dowel to the underside of each side rail at join with the front legs; overall with some old marks and scratches; upholstery in distressed condition with numerous losses.
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.

Sir John Popham probably bought Littlecote House, Hungerford, Wiltshire, in 1589 and the house remained in his family until 1922 when his descendent, H. F. A. Lebyborne- Popham sold it to Sir Ernest Salter Wells, 3^rd Baronet, who acquired  most of its contents.   Sotheby's conducted the house sale at Littlecote, November 20-22, 1985.

Huntstrete House, located in the Mendip Hills in Pensford, near Bath, was owned by the Popham family for over four hundred years and is now a country house hotel.