Lot 2265 email save

Set, 4 Phila. Chipp. transitional mahogany chairs

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Set of four Philadelphia Chippendale transitional mahogany side chairs, c. 1760, serpentine crest rail with flared ears and scribed edge, flared stiles with corresponding scribed edge; vasiform splat; prominently splayed side rails and front rail with cyma profile; shaped knee returns, and cabriole legs terminating in trifid feet; the rear legs with typical Philadelphia rake and chamfering; apparently original pine slip seat frames. [Dimensions: (three of four chairs): 38 1/2" h; 19 5/8"w; 16"d; the fourth chair with identical dimensions, except height= 40 1/4".] [Labels: early 20th C. ink, affixed to inside rear seat rail of two chairs: "A.C. Hartshorne / 5327 Hancock (?) St. / Germantown"] [Provenance: (line of descent through inheritance and gift) --Hartshorne Family, Phila.; --Weston Family (artist Howard Weston), Phila., c. 1940; --Dr. Samuel L. Evans, Phila., c. 1960] [Notes: By tradition in the line of descent, these chairs have always been part of one set. One is slightly taller, but otherwise identical in external features, except only that the additional height has been compensated for with a more pronounced curve to the lower section of the stiles. Certain evidence suggests that two of the chairs may have been separated from the set and reunited later. For example, the taller chair and one other both bear the ownership label referenced above. These retain rear glue blocks, and their slip seats display a late 19th / early 20th C. upholstery differing in pattern from the others, albeit identical in vintage. Also, they have 20th C. metal foot buttons which the others never had. However, in all other aspects of construction and later repairs, the four chairs exhibit a commonality which strongly suggests their origin within the same set. The apparently original incised numbering sequence follows: --Chair 1 , slip frame 6 ; --Chair 2, slip frame 2; --Chair 3, slip frame 3 (?); --Chair 4, slip frame 4.

Structure: Two chairs lacking (if present originally) rear glue blocks; typical mortise and tenon rail construction now reinforced with dowels and pins; two chairs with minor losses to edges of splat, and associated repairs, at juncture with crest rail; legs and feet display some scratching and sporadic shallow gouges consistent with age. Finish: old or original surface retained on all chairs, but cleaned and rubbed unevenly throughout.

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