PRIMITIVE SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY | Comb-Back Armchair

Christie's South Kensington, Country Furniture, Folk Art and Works of Art, 14 November 2001, lot 274. Sold at Christie's in 2001 for £8460 (hammer plus premium). The chair is of great charm however it exhibits evidence of age and use. It was a proper 'working' piece of furniture. There is evidence of age and use throughout including the historic effects of woodworm. Notably to the top rail. Sotheby's would recommend that whilst this piece is solid it is treated for worm. We have been given a quote for this of £150 plus VAT.
"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 atmospheric armchair is dated through features seen in a small group of Windsor armchairs which are discussed by Bernard Cotton (The English Regional Chair, Woodbridge, 1991, p.45, fig. tv12 and tv.13). The armchairs Cotton identifies as being from this period also have distinctive curved top rail and turned spindles to the back.