A fine pair of Regency mahogany caned bergères in the manner of George Smith circa 1810

the caned backrest flanked by a pair of padded armrests with lions head terminals raised on downswept supports ending in paw feet flanking a caned seat above a reeded apron raised on reeded sabre legs on brass-capped casters.  One stamped IH  and M twice to the underside of the backrail.  The other stamped IH to the underside of the back rail.

Partridge Fine Art, London, 1981

Overall good condition; re-caned; caning strong and stable; the first with spliced repair to inner side of back left leg; front right leg with a stabilized crack with a plug to the back edge above the caster; the front left leg with a repair to the inner part of the top of the leg; front right support to armrest with old repaired break. Scuff to nose of one lion head. The other with old spliced repair to front right leg with a plug. Both chair with replaced back casters and with patches where metal caster plate would have fitted in; the underside of each side rail to both chairs with two vacant screw holes. Overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use.
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 present pair of bergères bears similarity to the design of two 'Drawing Room Chairs' (plates 55 and 56) by George Smith of 1804 and 1805, published in his A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, in 1808.  The maker of the present chairs utilizes the lion's head terminals and downswept support as well as the overall form of the chair and caning found in Smith's designs.  The generous proportions and solidity is also characteristic of Smith.  A very similar bergère with downswept monopdia armrest supports is illustrated in Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 108.