CHARLES ROHLFS | Ladder Back Chair

Joseph C. Boyle, Cleveland, Ohio or Bay City, Michigan, circa 1904
By descent to Kathleen Smiley, Bay City, Michigan, 1963
By descent to Michael Smiley, Louisville, Kentucky, 1993
Thence by descent to the present owner

Lola J. Diffen, ''Artistic Designing of House Furniture – A Visit to Charles Rohlfs Designer – His Shop and His Work,'' Buffalo Courier, April 22, 1900, n. p. (for a period photograph of the model) 
Leslie Greene Bowman, American Arts & Crafts: Virtue in Design, Los Angeles, 1990, p. 60, no. 27 (for an example of the model in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Michael L. James, Drama in Design: The Life and Craft of Charles Rohlfs, Buffalo, 1994, p. 39 
Joseph Cunningham, The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, New Haven, CT, 2008, p. 121 (for an example of the model in the collection of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum)
David Cathers and Susan Montgomery, So Various Are The Forms It Assumes: American Arts & Crafts Furniture from the Two Red Roses Foundation, Clearwater, FL, 2013, pp. 210-211

Overall in very good condition. This chair has remained in the same family since the period and has been beautifully maintained. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original rich dark finish. The oak surfaces with some occasional minor surface scratches, abrasions, and edge wear with some associated edge losses (most prevalent to the feet and front edge of the seat) consistent with age and gentle use. The wood surfaces with a few scattered minor traces of grey paint, the largest on the edge of the proper right of the seat measuring approximately 3 inches long. With some traces of dried surface residue concentrated to the back of the proper left front foot (appears superficial). The seat and finials display slight movement, not structurally detractive. This chair displays beautifully in person with strong sculptural presence and exceptionally dark, rich coloration. A superb example of one of Rohlfs' most accomplished chair designs.
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.