A fine pair of George III mahogany library armchairs circa 1770

Each rectangular upholstered backrest flanked by a pair of upholstered armrests on acanthus-carved fluted downswept supports ending with a flower-head roundel, the over-upholstered seat rased on fluted square tapering legs headed by flower heads and ending in block feet on casters.

Sotheby's London, February 23, 1990, lot 68 or 69
Apter-Fredericks, London, 2003

Overall good condition; the first chair with some old infilled tack holes to the bases of each of the armrest supports where previous upholstery was attached; the legs with some old worn and polished chips to the fluting; the front squared flowerhead to the front left leg appears to be replaced; small old chip to the center of the left roundel; the back seat rail with a piece of cardboard affixed to the inner edge probably to support upholstery; top of left side rail with a small wood fillet approximately 4 inches by 1/4 inch; some old worm damage to rails; sturdy. The other chair with some old infilled tack holes to the bases of each of the armrest supports where previous upholstery was attached; the legs with some old worn and polished chips to the fluting; small chip to the molded edge around the right side squared flower head of the front right leg; the molding to the around the square flower head of the back right leg with some restoration; the back rail with a long piece of old burlap to one edge; rails with some old worm damage. Each with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use much of the wear is at the feet; nicely carved, good proportions, sturdy and with nice color to the mahogany.
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 pair of chairs bear similarities to a suite of seat furniture incorporating twelve chairs and six settees supplied to Francis Child at Osterley Park by John Linnell to the design of Sir William Chambers circa 1759-1763 (illustrated, Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkha, William and John Linnell, New York, 1980, vol. II, p. 35, fig. 66).  The design for the present chairs also bears similarities to Linnell's own design for an armchair seen in a pen and ink drawing in the Victorian and Albert Museum V&A 78 1929 (ibid, p. 43, fig. 83).