Pair of Carved Mahogany Shield-back Side Chairs

Description:

Pair of Carved Mahogany Shield-back Side Chairs, Rhode Island, c. 1795, each with a shell above an urn with festoons of leaves and shaped ribs on arched lunettes, ht. 38 1/2, seat ht. 18 in.

Literature: An identical chair is illustrated and discussed in Patricia E. Kane, 300 Years of American Seating Furniture, New York Graphic Society, pp. 160-61.
Estimate $1,500-2,500

old finish; through-tenon construction; both chairs stenciled/stamped "HITCHCOCK" on undersides of stretchers, likely owner's marks; both chairs with minor cracks and chips to inside of seat frame, probably due to old upholstery tacking.

Right chair in photograph patched at one corner of crestrail with small patch 1/2 in. deep x 1 1/2 in. long, not visible from front. There is another small patch to crestrail above left rosette; Repair to inside of left rear leg at an old crack (not a break).

Left chair in photograph with small loss near where edge of shield meets stile; left corner of crestrail with crack and small loss to backside where it meets the stile; old round-headed screw into rear stretcher from underside, near an old crack.


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.