Herter Brothers

LeGrand Lockwood, Norwalk, Connecticut, circa 1869
Charles Drelincourt Mathews, 1876
City of Norwalk, Connecticut, 1941
Margot Johnson, Inc., New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Tom Armstrong, “The New Field-McCormick Galleries in the Art Institute of Chicago,” Magazine Antiques, October 1988, New York, pp. 822-835
Art Institute of Chicago Annual Report, 1987-1988, Chicago, 1988, p. 14, pl. 24
Milo M. Naeve, Identifying American Furniture, Nashville, 1989, p. 24, no. 65
Catherine Hoover Voorsanger, “Gustave Herter, Cabinetmaker and Decorator,” Magazine Antiques, May 1995, New York, pp. 740-751
Milo M. Naeve, Identifying American Furniture, Nashville, 1997
Judith A. Barter et al., American Arts at The Art Institute of Chicago: From Colonial Times to World War I, Chicago, 1998, pp. 245-248, no. 118
Katherine S. Howe, et al., Herter Brothers: Furniture and Interiors for a Gilded Age, New York, 1994, pp. 144, 143-45 (for another chair from this dining suite in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and for two period photos of the LeGrand Lockwood drawing room showing this model in situ)

Overall very good condition. The wooden surfaces with minor scuffs, scratches, nicks, shallow dents and flaking to the varnish in some areas consistent with age and use. The parcel gilt surfaces with minor craquelure and some minor flaking. The bottom proper left bobbin-shaped support near the seat has been sensitively and professionally restored, not visually distracting. The rear proper right backrest column with an older fill measuring approximately ½ in. in diameter. The outside of the rear proper left leg with an area of veneer that has been professionally and very sensitively replaced, measuring approximately 3 ¼ x 1 in. at the widest point, not visually distracting. The horizontal banded marquetry to the finials of both backrest supports with minor lifting. The bottom portion of the frame surrounding the backrest cushion with a hairline crack measuring approximately ½ in., stable. The sulfur and stone inlays with a few minor hairlines consistent with natural aging. The upholstery has been replaced and presents with scattered wear. A highly detailed and finely executed work originally from the Legrand Lockwood Mansion.
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.

This chair is one of six from a parlor suite that was commissioned by banking magnate LeGrand Lockwood for the drawing room of his Second Empire style country house known as "Elm Park" in Norwalk, Connecticut, circa 1869. Another chair from this suite is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago (accession no. 1988.199).