A set of twelve George III mahogany dining chairs circa 1800

One stencilled CM.  Together with two arm chairs of recent manufacture.  14 pieces.

Overall very good condition; the undersides of some of the upholstery with old moths; all seat rails with some old worm damage; one with old repaired break to front right leg; back rail with cut-outs. Another chair with cut-outs to back rail. Another chair with old repaired break to top left corner of cresting rail. Another chair with chips to back edge to top of front right leg. Another chair with old repaired break to the top of the front left leg. Nicely carved and with good color and surface. The insets to the back crests probably replaced.
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.

This style of broad crestrailed dining chair was exceedingly popular in the last quarter of the 18th century, presaging the introduction of the klismos chair so popular in the succeeding Regency period.

A nearly identical set of chairs at Southill Park, the great Henry Holland commission, is illustrated in Eating Room, by C. Hussey, English Country Houses, Late Georgian, 1800-1840, Woodbridge, rev. ed., 1988, p. 33, fig. 49.