A George I walnut sleeping chair circa 1720

the reverse of the backrest with a brass plaque stamped QUEEN ANNE CHAIR / CIRCA 1740 / THE EARL OF WEMYSS AND MARCH / CADOGAN SQUARE / LONDON ; the back rail with penciled inscription Randy Ope / Aug 1975.  Formerly fitted with casters.

The Earl of Wemyss and March, Cadogan Square, London

Overall good restored condition; later corner brackets to the legs; the back legs each with a metal brace to the underside at joins with side seat rails and with some infilling; some small areas of old worm; formerly fitted with casters; the reverse of the front side brackets each with two screw holes; the legs with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises; the reclining mechanism in good condition with minor rust and oxidation to the metal parts.
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.

The brass plaque to the back of the present chair indicates that it was in the collection of the Earl of Wemyss and March, at his house in Cadogan Square, London.  The plaque most likely refers to 62 Cadogan Square, the London residence of Hugo Richard Charteris, Lord Elcho, eventually the 11^th Earl, who was the fourth son of Francis Richard Charteris, the 10^th Earl of Wemyss and March.

62 Cadogan Square, built in 1887, was designed by the pre-eminent 19^th century architect Richard Norman Shaw, who had been responsible for the designs of great public buildings such as the Savoy Theatre and the New Scotland Yard building.  The Earl of Wemyss and March had a number of country houses including his seat at Gosford House, East Lothian, designed by Robert Adam in the late 18^th century.  The 10^th Earl had been responsible for adding onto Adam's Georgian mansion and used William Young to create a large marble hall and galleries to show his celebrated picture collection, which he had amassed during his lifetime. The 10^th Earl's London residence was 23 St. James Place.  The Earl's three older sons predeceased him, and he was succeeded by his fourth son, Hugo Richard, Lord Elcho.

The Earldom of Wemyss and March is one of the most prestigious earldoms of Scotland, having been granted to Sir John Wemyss of Elcho in 1633, who had also been granted the title of Lord Wemyss of Elcho in 1628.  The 12^th and present Earl of Wemyss continues to live in Gosford House, East Lothian, Scotland.