A Fine George III Mahogany Library Armchair Circa 1760

the padded backrest with serpentine cresting rail flanked by a pair of padded armrests on downswept foliate-carved supports, the overupholstered seat raised on foliate and strapwork-carved cabriole legs ending in scrolled toes, on casters.  With plaque on front seatrail engraved This Chippendale Chair / From Burton Pynsent / belonged to William Pitt.  Afterwards / Viscount Pitt of Burton Pynsent / and Earl of Chatham.

By repute William Pitt, Viscount Pitt of Burton Pynsent and Earl of Chatham, Burton Pynsent House, Somerset, the estate having been left to him by an admirer in 1765
M. Harris & Sons
Winthrop W. Aldrich, New York
Sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, February 22, 1975, lot 77
Sold Sotheby's, New York, April 2002, Lot 660

M. Harris, A Catalogue of Old Furniture and Works, London, 1930, vol. II, p. 245

Overall good condition beautifully carved the base of each armrest support with infilled tact holes from previous upholstery, front right corner to flower molded edge with a small loss. Fitted with casters, overall with scratches scuffs and bruises.Please note the engraved brass plaque is detached but present in a bag.
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.

The design of the carving of the front legs of this finely proportioned armchair, with its foliate-enriched looped strapwork and scrolled toes, is closely related to plate XII of the First Edition of Thomas Chippendale's, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, published in 1754.

William Pitt the elder (1708-1778) was created First Earl of Chatham and Viscount PIt of Burton-Pynsent in 1766 by George III.  Know as The Great Commoner, Pitt was one of Britain's greates politicians and statesmen, leading the country to victory over France during the Seven Years War.  His son William Pitt the younger followed in his father's footsteps becoming the youngest Prime Minister at the age of 24 in 1783.