NEW ENGLAND, PROBABLY CONNECTICUT, CHIPPENDALE WALNUT SIDE CHAIR

NEW ENGLAND, PROBABLY CONNECTICUT, CHIPPENDALE WALNUT SIDE CHAIR, the shaped crest rail over a pierced vasiform splat having four vertical lobate piercings over a stylized heart form mortised into a separate shoe, a trapezoidal seat frame having a shaped front rail which mimics the profile of the top rail, the whole raised on square molded front legs, the rear legs having a chamfered edge all are connected by a molded offset box stretcher, the rear stretcher with distinctive turning. Retains a birch seat frame (almost certainly original to the seat) with "VII" carved into the underside (the chair having "IIII" on the rabbet), and an old, possibly original, finished surface with attractive blistering. Fourth quarter 18th century. 38 1/2" HOA, 16 3/4" H seat, 20" x 14 1/2" seat.

From the collection of Bettianne Sweeney, Williamsburg, VA.

Very good condition overall with scattered minor wear; the seat frame with added bracing to the underside with some old repaired breakage evident; back leg with a flaw in the wood which looks like a crack but has no evidence of going through or being repaired, etc.; the early, likely original, muslin covering the seat frame with wear and moderate expected staining.