A fine pair of Louis XV carved beechwood fauteuils circa 1750, one stamped I. Mercier

the cartouche-shaped backrest with naturalistically carved flower sprays and crenellated interior edge outlining the inner rim of the backrest, the arched top rail carved with a rocaille cartouche centered by a cabochon, the padded armrests with scrolled leaf-carved terminals raised on voluted supports carved with acanthus, the serpentine-fronted seat with crenellated edges and with carved cartouches matching the backrest, raised on molded cabriole legs carved with flower heads and terminating in scrolled leaf-carved feet, covered in petit point upholstery à châssis; each with oval brass plaques beneath the seat rail numbered 352 and 357, respectively; the rail of one with ink inscription Sir C. Cootes 2.

Sir Charles Coote, 9th Baronet (died 1864), Ballyfin House, Mountrath, Ireland, thence by descent to

Sir Ralph Coote, 13th Baronet, Ballyfin House, Christie's London, April 25, 1923, lot 117
Christie's London, Collection of Anna Thomson Dodge, Rose Terrace, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, June 24, 1971, lot 52
Christie's New York, November 22, 1983, lot 124

Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle, 2002, p. 606

Alan Phipps Darr, et. al., The Dodge Collection of Eighteenth-Century French and English Art in The Detroit Institute of Arts, 1996, p. 27 

Both with scattered age and construction cracks, consistent with age and use. Carving generally with abrasions and very minor losses at extremitites. Scattered minor areas with infill. Minor scattered losses to carving, with the largest being a 3in. by 1 in. small loss to upper cartouche of backrest, with detached piece present. In good overall condition, including upholstery.
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.