A set of twelve George III mahogany dining room armchairs, circa 1780

each with a shield-shaped pierced back with leaf-carved moulded stick splats and fan patera, the scrolled arms and supports with padded seats on square tapered legs ending in block feet; four chairs with minor differences, restorations, partly re-railed

Sotheby's London, English Furniture, 15 November 1996, lot 73 (£39,757).

Overall in reasonable restored condition. All the chairs have later elements to the undersides including at least one with a replaced seat rail to the reverse. Six of the set have restored breaks to the out scrolled arm terminals - one of which is slightly loose from its support. The shield borders of the back splats also have some signs of restoration including later filler to the veneers. Eight of the chairs have plain square tapering legs, whilst four have minor differences including fluting to the legs. The blue upholstery is in good condition. With old marks and scratches throughout commensurate with age and use.
"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."