The Commander Isaac Hull Very Rare Queen Anne Cherrywood and Birchwood Footstool, Connecticut, circa 1750

The rear apron of this stool is plain which suggests that it may have been made for use with an easy chair or sofa.  The stool retains a label on the underside of its apparently original leather under upholstery that states: QUEEN ANNE, DUCK FOOT, CROSS STRETCH, WALNUT STOOL. This stool was the property of Commander Isaac Hull of Saybrook, Conn.  He was born in Derby, Conn. and evidently this stool was the property of his Father.  This stool was in the personal quarters of Commodore Hull on the Frigate Constitution when she fought the Guerrier a British War Ship, which lost the battle to the Constitution. When Commodore Hull was relieved of the Command of the Constitution he took this stool back to his home in Saybrook, Conn. where it remained.  He later gave it to the Pratt family who handed it down in the family till it was acquired by ELMA L. HORTON and was placed in her collection at 29 Union Ave Lynbrook L.I.  This stool was never in the hands of dealers being purchased directly from the Pratt family.

Captain Joseph Hull III (1728-1778), Derby, Connecticut;
Lieutenant Joseph Hull IV (1750-1826), Derby, Connecticut;
Commander Issac Hull (1773-1843), Saybrook, Connecticut;
Pratt family, Connecticut;
Elma L. Horton, Lynbrook, New York;
Parke Bernet Galleries, New York, Important 18th Century American Furniture & Decorations, May 22, 1970, sale 3134, lot 161 sold for $2,250;
Israel Sack, Inc., New York

"The Editors Attic, Furniture in Our Attic," Magazine Antiques (September 1948)

Appears to retain portion of its under upholstery. Proper right side pads of feet with original laminated patches. Stool never had added facias strip to long side. The number M1048 on stool.
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.

Joseph Hull IV, Commander Issac Hull's father, was a lieutenant of artillery in the Revolutionary War, and greatly distinguished himself in the defense of Fort Washington, where he was captured. He was exchanged in 1778 and re-entering the army was given command of a flotilla on Long Island Sound, consisting of several whale boats fitted out to annoy the enemy. On one occasion, with twenty men, in a small sloop, he captured a British armed schooner off Derby. He engaged early in life in the West India trade, and later in whale fishing, and in this practical school his son Isaac took his first lessons in seamanship.