Thomas Molesworth

Commissioned by Bob and Ellen Hunter for Hunter Hereford Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, circa 1945
Fighting Bear Antiques, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1987
Robert and Geraldine Dellenback, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Coeur d'Alene Auction, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, July 26, 1997, lot 55

Overall in very good vintage condition. The wood surfaces with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, dents, abrasions, minor areas of rubbing and discoloration, and a few areas of paint residue, consistent with age and use. There are natural knots, irregularities, and separations in the wood grain, typical for Inland fir, which have been reinforced with wood infill in areas by Molesworth at the time of production; some of these areas with minor losses to the infill. The leather is original to three of the chairs with the fourth possibly reupholstered; its surfaces overall with signs of wear with creases, light scratches, minor scuffs, and areas of rubbing and discoloration, the latter more prominently concentrated to the edges and corners of some of the seats, all consistent with age and use. The brass tacks with some minor surface scratches and areas of rubbing, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle use. One chair with a more prominent loss to the infill to the front proper right foot measuring approximately 2 7/8 in.; the same chair with some cracking to the leather seat, with a very small tear radiating from the outer edge and exposing the linen backing, measuring approximately 1 ½ in, and could possibly benefit from professional stabilization. Another chair with some minor cracking to the seat leather. This seat with two more prominent instances of cracking, the larger separation exposing the linen backing underneath, the tear measuring approximately 2 ½ in. The third chair with some more minor cracking to the seat leather, and also with a more prominent abrasion to the proper left edge of the stretcher measuring approximately 5/8 x 1 in. The fourth chair with a more prominent instance of loss to the wood infill to the front proper left leg, measuring approximately 3 ½ x 1/8 in. A rare, fully upholstered set of side chairs, they are characteristically comfortable and vibrant.
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.