A George III stripped beechwood armchair in the manner of Mayhew & Ince circa 1775

Country house condition. Stripped; probably originally painted. Restoration to a 1 inch section of carving to left side of back. Right arm slightly loose; recommend securing. Both arms with restored breaks to the bottom of each arm where it meets the seat. Later glue blocks. Restorations to the top portion of the seat rails. Circular patch to center front of apron (about 1/2 inch in diameter). Usual scratches, chips, and abrasions consistent with use and age. Some age cracks along joins of construction.
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 chair with its French fashioned ‘cabriolet’ back, exposed rear back struts and voluted arm supports are very reminiscent of the devices employed by the Golden Square firm of Mayhew and Ince (1759 – 1804). The scrolled ends terminating at the junctures of the seat rails and front legs, were popularized by the architect Sir William Chambers’ Treatise on Civil Architecture, 1759. This French style was incorporated into much of the furniture made by elite London cabinet makers, most of whom, like Mayhew and Ince, were centered around the Soho-St Martin’s lane district. 

A set of almost identical chairs attributed to Mayhew and Ince incorporating eight armchairs were supplied to George Greville, 2^nd Earl of Warwick (d.1818) for Warwick Castle. They were sold Christie’s, London, 10 April 2003, lot 25. Another pair of almost identical form was sold Christie’s, New York, 7 April 2006, lot 242.  A further pair of similar chairs, with the Mayhew and Ince attribution, were sold Sotheby's, 18 November 2008, lot 331.