A pair of George II mahogany armchairs, circa 1740

with concealed brass and leather castors

Christie's London, 3 July 1997, lot 31 (£113,512).

An impressively drawn and carved pair of armchairs of very good quality in good conserved condition. The seat rails have later angled supports to the corners which have secured the chairs. There are some customary old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use. The later green upholstery is in good condition with some slight areas of rubbing.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Whilst no single feature of this armchair allows a firm attribution, the arm decoration is closely related to a pair of chairs from Hinton House supplied by one of Vile & Cobb, William Hallett or Giles Grendey. A notable example attributed to Grendey sharing the similarly carved outswept arms and finely carved legs were sold Sotheby's New York, 26 October 2012, lot 211 ($338,500). A further chair sharing similar carving to the knees and out swept arms also attributed to Grendey, formed part of the celebrated collection of Percival D Griffiths (sold, Christie's, London, 7 April 1983, lot 155).