A set of eleven George III mahogany dining chairs circa 1790, in the manner of Gillows

the inside seatrails of two chairs bearing the ivorine trade label of `FRANK PARTRIDGE/ Works of Art/ 26, King St. St. James's/ AND/ NEW YORK'

Good overall condition. Repolished. Minor old marks and scratches. Good colour. Some later angle blocks to underframes. One splat with small repair to the base. Another splat cracked. Another chair with a repaired back. Recently reupholstered. One lacking upholstery
"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 1788 Gillows of London and Lancaster Estimate Sketch Book illustrates a design for a very similar chair (see L. Boynton, Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Royston, 1995, no. 272).  Closely related chairs include an armchair, illustrated in F. Lewis Hinkley, Hepplewhite, Sheraton & Regency Furniture, New York, 1987, p. 61, fig. 83-84, a set of eight dining chairs with provenance from Samuel Messer, sold Christie's London, 24 November 2005, lot 109 and a matched set of twelve chairs sold Sotheby's London 18 November 2008, lot 357. The present set of chairs differ from the aforementioned examples in having a more elaborate design to their backs in addition to the distinctive feature of a key patern motif to the uprights.