A pair of George III parcel-gilt gray-painted armchairs in the manner of Mayhew and Ince circa 1780

Each shield-form upholstered backrest with molded edge and bow-tied cresting, continuing to downswept armrests with acanthus-carved scrolled handholds raised on downswept supports ending in scrolled terminals flanking a serpentine-fronted upholstered seat, the conforming apron carved with a laurel spray and flanked by flowerheads and raised on stiff-leaf-carved circular tapering fluted legs ending in toupee feet.

Kentshire Galleries, New York

Good restored condition; paint and gilding refreshed; the underside of one chair with some extensive old worm damage to the front rail close to the legs and subsequently with dowels which reinforce the joint with the legs; the other chair with later screws which are screwed into the rails at joins with front legs for support; each chair with later corner blocks; it is interesting to note that there are glue cramps as well as batten holes for carrying to the underside of the rails; some small chips and losses to paint in places; sturdy.
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.

It is interesting to note that the undersides of the chair rails have two glue 'cramps' as well as screw holes where a wood vice would have been affixed when the chairs were originally constructed during the gluing process.  This feature is found on numerous examples of chairs made in Chippendale's workshop as well as in the workshop of Mayhew and Ince and other leading London cabinet-makers of the second half of the 18th century.