A PAIR OF GEORGE III CARVED MAHOGANY LIBRARY ARM CHAIRS circa 1765

each with an over-upholstered back with a serpentine crest rail, the padded arms with square incurved carved supports, carved with a Greek key pattern above an over-upholstered seat, the square legs similarly carved and with plain H-stretchers, now on castors.

Doyle Fine Art Auctioneers, New York, January 23, 2002, lot 365

Overall in good condition, one chair with restored chip to top of left armrest support, the other chair with front right and back right leg slightly loose from stretchers, each with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises and slight wear to carving.
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 Greek key pattern ornamenting these chairs is a common pattern used both in architecture and furniture pattern books published in the 18^th century, being used on the legs and stretchers of an open arm chair designed by William Kent and published by John Vardy in Some Designs of Mr. Inigo Jones and Mr. William Kent, 1744, pl. 43. A suite of seat furniture formerly at Carlton Towers, Yorkshire with Greek key pattern carved legs and arms was sold Christie's, London, July 9, 1992, lots 41-44. The arms of these chairs had scrolled terminals, the fretwork pierced stretchers conforming in part to a design in Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754, Ist edition, pl. XVII. A scale drawing of this pattern is also shown by Chippendale, plate CXXVII, Two Designs for Cloths Chest.