RARE PAIR OF SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA CHIPPENDALE BLACK WALNUT SIDE CHAIRS, each squared back featuring a heart-pierced splat, above the trapezoidal, molded-edge seat rails, raised on square legs with molded front corners joined by a box-form stretcher. Original yellow pine slip-seat frames with old needlework upholstery. Each bearing a 19th century inscribed ownership label under the front seat rail which has not been deciphered. Both retain outstanding historical surfaces and patina. Probably Southampton Co. or Greensville Co., VA. Circa 1765-1785. 37 1/4" HOA, 16 3/4" H seat rail, 19 1/2" x 16 1/2".
Literature: See Hurst/Prown - Southern Furniture 1680-1830, p. 108, fig. 24.1 for an identical example from the Colonial Williamsburg collection, likely from the same set.
Provenance: From a Virginia private collection.
Acquired from Milly McGehee.
Catalogue Note: A pair seemingly identical to this pair was sold by Ken Farmer Auctions on September 17, 2006, lot 177. Another chair from this group was sold through these galleries on June 25, 2011, lot 355. It was identical to this pair except for its slightly offset front stretcher.

Very good original condition with no structural repairs or compromises, honest usage wear including a shallow loss to the top of the proper left end of the crest rail of each, other minor imperfections, one seat upholstery with split.