A pair of George II figured walnut side chairs circa 1730

one back rail stamped IB

Good overall re-polished condition with typical shrinkage cracks to veneers consistent with age. Some minor old veneer patches. Minor typical old worming . Backs are veneered onto beech. One drop-in seat replaced. Chair 1. Repair to top-rail. Later strengthening brackets to rails. Both back feet spliced. Some old repairs to front left foot. Chair 2. Repairs to top-rail. Both back legs spliced. Front-rail patched above the scallop shell.
"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."

The form of the legs with their distinctive hipped knees protruding into the seatrail corners together with the shell motifs to the centre of each front rail closely relate to those on a set of eight chairs, possibly by Samuel Ogden of Lichfield, recorded in Lucy Wood, The Upholstered Furniture in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, 2008, 2 vols., vol. I, p. 397 pl. i 34A. Similar traits are also exhibited on the legs and seatrails on a suite of seat furniture from the collection of the Earls of Cholmondley at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, illustrated in Ralph Edwards and Percy Macquoid, The Dictionary of English Furniture, rev. ed., 1954, 3 vols., vol. III, p. 87, fig. 38.