A pair of Irish George IV leather-upholstered mahogany library chairs circa 1820

Sold Sotheby's New York, October 18, 2006, lot 291

Both chairs in basically fine overall condition but with scuffed and attractively worn upholstery. Mahogany with discoloration of varnish to backs and legs. Several old marks, bruises and scratches consistent with use. Scuffing to knees and minor repairs to feet of both chairs. Chair 1: The mahogany veneered back with characteristic faint age cracks to the sides and to the central back. Some minor age cracks also to the reeded moldings on the back where breaks have occurred. The view from underneath the bottom reeded molding reveals where the broken section have been nailed back on. The underside with later blocks behind back legs. Chair 2: Similar age cracks to back veneer but more extensive and visible. Reeded moldings to back in similar condition to chair one, but with noticeable scuffing and bruising to lower center section. The underside with later blocks behind back legs.
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 side view of a design for a chair of similar form, with U-shaped backrest and saber legs, is illustrated in Thomas Hope’s Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. 25.  Edward Joy illustrates an almost identical pair to the present lot, English Furniture 1800-1851, 1977, p. 58; a pair was sold Sotheby’s London, February 24, 1995, lot 115; a single armchair was sold in these rooms, October 21, 2000, lot 125.