IMPORTANT MASSEY FAMILY WILLIAM AND MARY TURNED AND JOINED MAPLE LEATHER-BACK OPEN ARMCHAIR, PHILADELPHIA, CIRCA 1725

Upholstered with period 'Russian' leather. 

Descended in the Massey family of Philadelphia;
H. L. Chalfant Antiques, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Proper left stile cracked at juncture of arm, appears to retain its original foot facings.
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 extremely rare chair demonstrates the decision of a Philadelphia chairmaker to combat the influx of Boston chairs by crafting his own version. Another nearly identical chair, albeit heavily altered, is in the collection of Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum (accession number 90.0080).