AN IMPORTANT PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY LIBRARY ARM CHAIRS WITH NEEDLEWORK COVERS circa 1755

each with a square upholstered back and seat, the upholstered arms with square incurved supports carved with husks and rising acanthus leaves and with scrolled snail-shell terminals, the cabriole legs carved at the knees with oval cabochons within ruffled foliate frames and with acanthus carved and scrolled brackets and supported on claw and ball toes, the back legs similarly carved, worked in gros and petit point polychrome wool and silk with an overall design of stylized flowers and leaves, each back with a cartouche within a scrolled frame, one depicting a lady with an exotic head-dress and a man holding an open box, the other with similar figures, the man with a basket.

The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Nippon, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, sold, Sotheby's, New York, April 4, 1995

Chair 1: Overall in very good general condition. Color and patination are both excellent. The base of the right arm adjacent to the join with the seat rail has old filled nail holes, a small chip, and a small repair. The left arm has similarly filled nail holes and a small repaired chip. The rear left spandrel is chipped with a small section missing. All feet have filled holes where once there were castors. The modern upholstery to both sides of the back is torn and shredded. Chair 2: A small rectangular patch to each lower outside corner to the base of the arm adjacent to the seat rails and similar filled nail holes to chair 1. There is a small chip to the front left bracket and an old chip adjacent to scroll carving on the same leg. There is a chip to the tip of the left rear side bracket and it has lost its scroll carving. Back rail has been later built up. The caster recesses on all legs have been filled in. Minor tears to the modern upholstery on the side of the chair. Some reworking of the needlework which is associated and generall in good condition.
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 present pair of chairs is notable for the fine mahogany used in their construction, which has allowed the carver to execute crisp and detailed carving of exceptional quality. Unusually, the back legs are as fully carved as those at the front, and the terminals to the arms are curiously formed as stylized snail shells. The carving detail, particularly the ruffled cartouches enclosing cabochons, is related to a suite of two armchairs and six side chairs which were originally commissioned by John Battie of Cusworth Hall, Doncaster, which have been attributed to the Royal cabinetmaker John Cobb on the basis of a surviving account for £21 19s. 0d, rendered by him to John Battie in 1768. Another related set of chairs, but with carved backs, was sold in these rooms, October 20, 2006, lot 87.