Early Chippendale Side Chair

SOLD

Philadelphia, ca. 1750-1755. Mahogany. The chair exhibits some early features of the Rococo period and maybe considered a transitional chair. While having a cupid’s bow crest with a carved shell above a vasiform splat, the carving of the legs are similar to examples found in the mid-18th century. This side chair appears to have been made in the same shop as a high chest of drawers and side chair that descended in the family of John Morin Scott of Germantown, Pennsylvania, the first popularly elected Mayor of Philadelphia. The high chest and side chair were later owned by Wilbur Ross Hubbard at Widehall, Chestertown, Kent County, Maryland, and are illustrated in Edith Gaines’ article Widehall, in Chestertown, Kent County, in The Maine Antiques (April 1969): p. 537. The two pieces were sold at Sotheby’s, June 1994, Sale 6589, lots 273 and 274. A Philadelphia dressing table and armchair in a private New York collection feature the same pendant shell and knee carving and appear to be en suite with the above-mentioned high chest of drawers. Condition: See condition report. Provenance: Purchased January 2, 1942 from Joe Kindig, Jr. York, Pennsylvania. Joe Kindig noted on the bill of sale …the carving on the legs of this chair is the best of its period. ;The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, Sotheby’s, January 2002; Private Collection.

Condition Report. Retains an old dry varnish finish, possibly the original. A small section of one talon missing from front left foot. Interior seat frame blocks are replaced. The slip seat frame appears to be original.