A George III giltwood armchair attributed to Mayhew and Ince circa 1785

The back seat rail bearing a Norman Adams black ivorine label.

Norman Adams, London

Overall very good condition; re-gilded with some rubbing and wear to the gilding mainly to the extremities and to hand holds; the gilding is a nice, soft gilding; nicely upholstered; small chips and losses to the gilding at extremities; front legs slightly loose and could use some tightening to the side rails.
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 armchair is nearly identical to a suite of eight armchairs (probably originally twelve armchairs) which Mayhew and Ince supplied to James Alexander, 1st Earl of Caledon, for the Oval Drawing Room at Caledon House, Ireland (illustrated, Hugh Roberts, " 'Unequll'd Elegance': Mayhew and Ince's Furniture for James Alexander, 1st Earl of Caledon", Furniture History, vol. XLV, 2009, p. 105, fig. 2) The Caledon chairs like the present chair have a similar shaped back centered by a stylized shell, the serpentine apron is centered by an identical draped patera and the legs are nearly identical as well.  It is interesting to note that the Caledon chairs may have originally been painted.