Lot 1577
  • 1577

THE ROPES-WALD FAMILY SET OF SIX FEDERAL CARVED MAHOGANY SHIELD-BACK SIDE CHAIRS, ATTRIBUTED TO SAMUEL MCINTIRE (1757-1811), SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1795 |

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Height 38 1/2 in.
each appears to retain its original surface.

Provenance

Sotheby's, New York, Important Americana, October 23, 1994, sale no. 6613, lot 365;
Sotheby's, New York, Important Americana, October 9, 1997, sale no. 7025, lot 485.

Condition

Abrasion to corner of legs commensurate with age. Chairs appear overall to be in fine condition. No apparent significant cracks or breaks to backs of chairs. One chair has more abrasion than the other five on the corners of the front legs.
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.

Catalogue Note

A Federal chair in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has an identically carved crest rail which Dean T. Lahikainen has attributed to Samuel McIntire in his book Samuel McIntire:Carving and American Style, (Salem, MA: Peabody Essex Museum, 2007), p. 56, fig. 3-11. This set of chairs had been used for decades in the Ropes family home at 124 Federal Street in Salem, Massachusetts.  Research, deeds and probate records have shown that John Ropes bequeathed the land and house on it to his son Jonathan when he died in 1754.  The Wald family retained ownership until 1818 after which the house was passed to John Holman, a mariner, to Reverend John Brazer of the North church, and to Captain Thomas Perkins, a shipmaster and merchant.  Much of the interior architectural detail in the main portion of the house is attributed to Samuel McIntire, with chimney pieces carved with drapery swags and baskets of flowers and fruit.