A Charles II turned ash child's armchair late 17th century

with boldly turned back rail, bobbin turned triform back support and boarded fruitwood triform seat, together with a later green velvet cushion

Tobias Jellinek, Early British Chairs and Seats from 1500 to 1700, Woodbridge, Forthcoming (2009), pl. 194.

Good considering age and a lot of use. With attractive colour and patination. Some minor old fragmenting and some wear on all turned components. Old fragmenting on one front arm finial. Old fragmenting, separations and losses to seat. Underside of seat with later boards and old iron nails. Traces of worm throughout. Splits on rear leg. Fragmenting to feet. Of firm stance. Some marks to cushion. The small size of this chair and the wear from much use give it a great charm.
"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."

Turned chairs of this kind were produced in England from the 16th century, although earlier examples appear in illustrated manuscripts, and closely related seat-furniture in Scandinavia and Germany has been dated to the turn of the 14th century. Indeed some furniture historians have speculated that the form originated in Byzantium, and that it came to Britain with the Norman conquest of 1066. Several models are recorded, with marked regional variations, all formed in essentially the same way using spindles turned on a pole-lathe and joined around a panelled or woven rush seat. Ash is the most commonly used wood, but chairs made of yew-wood, walnut, beech and fruitwood are also recorded. Similar chairs to the offered lot are illustrated Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, Woodbridge, 1979, pp. 88-89, figs. 2:73 and 2.74a.

 

The small proportions of the offered lot make it particularly unusual.