Thomas Molesworth

Commissioned by Jim Minter, Cody, Wyoming, circa 1945
Marc Taggart & Co., Cody, Wyoming

Overall in very good original condition. The wood surfaces with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, dents, marks, and a few minor areas of rubbing and discoloration, 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; a few of these areas throughout with scattered minor losses to the infill. The leather is original and presents with a slightly more cherry-red color than is visible in the catalogue illustration; its surfaces with surface scratches, nicks, dents, and instances of rubbing and discoloration, the latter particularly to the edges of the yellow leather. The seats with scattered craquelure to the leather, as partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The brass tacks with some minor surface scratches and areas of rubbing, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle use. The chair to the left in the catalogue illustration with slightly larger losses to the infill to the front proper left leg and the rear proper right leg, the losses measuring approximately 4 3/8 in. and 5 ¼ in., respectively. The front edge of the seat with an area of rubbing to the leather measuring approximately 1 x 1 ½ in. The chair to the right in the catalogue illustration with some scattered losses to the infill to the rear proper left leg. The proper right edge of the central stretcher with an abrasion to the wood measuring approximately 1/8 x ¼ in. The seat with some more pronounced cracking to the leather throughout, and the rear of the seatback with a few small abrasions to the leather, the largest measuring approximately 1/8 x 1/8 in. Overall in very good age appropriate condition, the chairs are enhanced by varying size tacks across the decorative yellow perimeter and present well overall.
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.