A George I walnut and caned armchair, circa 1720

backrail with journeyman's mark inscribed GC

Defining an Era: The Collections of the Late Francis Egerton and Peter Maitland, Sotheby's London, April 28, 2010, lot 709 (4,375 GBP)

Unique and original form. Some minor old wood worm damage. Front seat rail reinforced. A small chip to front stretcher at right join. Restored break to cresting. Later caning. Nicks, bruises and scratches consistent with use and age.
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 unusual chair combines features popular in the first fifteen years of the eighteenth century, such as the raked back legs, out-scrolling arms, and caning with new fashionable elements that began to appear around 1715, such as the cabriole front legs, asymmetrical stretcher, raised crest rail and the India back bisecting the caning. This beautiful and ample armchair is an exquisite example of the transition between the William and Mary style to the Georgian period.