A George II style carved mahogany hall chair attributed to Sidney Letts circa 1910

Of good quality and unusual form. The surface with the sorts of marks and scratches one would expect to see from age and use.The trestle support with bracing angle brackets. Repaired split to rear of dished seat. The underside of the shaped stretcher with two wooden braced reapirs and a metal brace to where it connects to the trestle support on the underside.
"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."

This chair relates closely to another hall chair by Sidney Letts of Great Russell Street, London, illustrated by R. W. Symonds, Furniture Making in 17th and 18th Century England, London, 1956, p. 170, fig. 216. It shares the same mix of classical and baroque motifs and is of the same high quality. Symonds (op. cit. p. 169) writes '[Letts was] ...a maker of expensive reproductions. They were good copies and frequently made of old wood'.

Identical to pair of armchairs (or one of), offered in these rooms, 17 February 1984,
lot 132.

illustrated in situ opposite