A Regency ebonised, parcel gilt and upholstered library bergère circa 1810

the over-scrolled padded square back above a cushioned seat, the filled arms with swan-necked terminals and a reeded rail on moulded sabre legs, currently covered in yellow striped moiré, some redecoration

With Temple Williams Ltd., Haunch of Venison Yard, London, where acquired by Wilfrid Evill (£90) circa 1954 until sold Sotheby's, Wilfrid Evill Collection, 12 July 1963, lot 91 and purchased, through an agent, by Honor Frost.

This unusually shaped chair is of a solid stance. Staining and fading to fabric but in good physical condition. Damage and wear to paint work and parcel-gilt. Small dents and scratches to legs. Rubbing to paint and decoration and rear left leg retipped. Trauma to stile of each front sabre leg. Possibly originally with castors.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For another piece of seat furniture with distinctive swan neck arm terminals see a sofa, probably by the Royal cabinet maker Banting and France supplied to Fredrick, 1st Marquess of Bristol and sold, Sotheby's, The East Wing, Ickworth, Suffolk, 11-12 June 1986, lot 68.