A Scottish George III laburnum armchair, third quarter 18th century

the drop-in seat upholstered in floral needlework with 'ECOL / 1946' in manuscript to seat

Overall in reasonable 'country house' condition. Structurally the chair is sound and sturdy and ready to use. The colour is slightly faded and small areas of the polished surface have rubbed away. Generally it could benefit from a polish according to taste. The pierced splat with a sectional split to the top and the reverse with a filled split. There are areas of filler to the reverse of the right upright, where it joins the top rail, and an old repaired break to the armrest where it joins the upright. The shoe of the splat lacking a small section of moulding. The rear seat rail and possibly the stretchers to the sides and back apparently replaced. One scroll end to the arm rest with a chip and overall the chair has old marks, chips and scratches consistent with age and use.
"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."

Commonly used in the manufacture of bag-pipes, Scottish laburnum was one of the most prized timbers for cabinet and chair-making north of the border. So much so, in his Forest Trees (1775), William Boutcher notes that 'some preferred (it) even to mahogany for its solidity and beautiful colour ... and I myself have seen a large table and a dozen chairs of it, in the possession of a noble Lord.'