03-02-201403-02-2014
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2710BBoston
March 2, 2014 10:00 AMCalender
178

Set of Twelve Federal Carved Mahogany Shield-back Dining Chairs

Sell one like this
$39,975$32,500
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2710BLocation: BostonDate / Time: March 02, 2014 10:00AM

Description:

Set of Twelve Federal Carved Mahogany Shield-back Dining Chairs, attributed to Thomas Burling or Robert Carter, New York, c. 1790, consisting of two armchairs and ten sides, the molded crests above reeded and "fish-scale" carved splats converging at a petal-carved lunette, on overupholstered shaped seats on square tapering front legs ending in spade feet, the two armchairs with shaped arms with rosette-carved terminals on concave supports, old surface, (some repairs),ht. 38 1/2, seat ht. 17 in.

Note: Similar chairs are in prominent public collections, including Winterthur, the Smithsonian, Yale University, and Boscobel.

There is some speculation that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owned large sets of similar chairs made by Thomas Burling, based on historical records that show substantial payments by each of those men to Burling in 1790.
Estimate $25,000-35,000

1 - minor worn gouges to back of crest; 2 - rear legs repinned, wood filler at top of each front leg; 3 - rear legs repinned with single pins; 4 - rear legs repinned; 5 - good condition; 6 - 2 small newer pins to back rail; 7 - 1 side repinned; 8 - back legs repinned; 9 - one back leg repinned, stable repair to spindle; 10 - divot in front leg, otherwise good; both armchairs - arms repinned, handholds repaired or with minor restoration.

ht. 38 1/2, seat ht. 17 in., wd. 21 3/4, wd. armchairs 27 3/4; depth of seat to chair back 16 1/2 in.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Thomas Burling, Robert Carter, Smithsonian, Yale University, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson