A suite of Russian mahogany veneered seat furniture circa 1825

comprising six armchairs and a settee, each armchair with an outward scroll trapeziod shaped back surmounted by a cylindrical cresting with a flowerhead at each end, the base of the back carved with scrolls and a demi-patera above a drop-in padded seat and drownscrolled arms terminating in stylised foliage on sabre legs; reblocked; together with a settee ensuite with a rectangular hinged back above a padded rectangular seat

In overall good conserved condition. The joints of the whole suite are sound and sturdy. Armchairs: Old minor marks, chips, scratches and restorations generally and one of the rear legs on one armchair has been restored and is lacking its veneer. There is craquelure to the veneer comensurate with age. There is a loss to the veneer and restoration to the front left leg of another which would benefit from some further restoration. Some of the side-rails have been strengtened and one of the armchairs has an inventory number in black ink on the seat rail 6906 and a demi-lune shaped restoration to the veneer on the the back. One of the armchairs at the top of the arms is missing its stylised anthemion. There is also an old restored break to the very top of the side-rail of another armchair. There is evidence of old minor worm which appears to be no longer active. The sofa: The veneer is distressed and bubbling on the base of the left side which would benefit from some attention there are some very minor chips to the veneer which can easily be touched up. There are some old minor restorations generally. Evidence of old minor worm to the feet which appears to be no longer active.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Antoine Cheneviere, Russian Furniture The Golden Age 1780-1840, London, 1988, p. 208, fig. 218, for a mahogany armchair with similarly carved arms to those upon the offered armchairs.