A set of twenty two yewwood and elm Windsor armchairs circa 1840

the arched back carved with '176', the pierced splat with scroll ornament, with an elm seat on baluster legs with crinoline stretcher, five labelled: "J. R. SMITH, / Southampton. / From 69, Old Bailey."

Overall in good, untouched and original condition, with old marks, scratches and scuffs – particularly to feet – consistent with age and use. • One with visible screws and old repair to front and right leg; • One with water mark to seat; • One with repaired crack to back leg; • One with fix to broken stretcher; • One with brace and repair to break to top rail and with a broken spindle; • One with break to back splat and repaired break to top rail; and • One with repair to stretcher.
"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."

The present chairs have a provenance of the Masonic Lodge, Albany Lodge, Newport, Isle of Wight. The number 176 carved on the backs of the present lot is the number of this lodge which was changed in 1863 to 151. The present chairs can therefore be said to pre-date 1863.