Lot 438 , A set of eight George II style Irish red walnut and oak dining chairs, W.1ft 9in. H.3ft 3in.
A set of eight George II style Irish 'red walnut' and oak dining chairs, with veneered fretted oak backs and seat rails, drop-in seats, on solid 'red walnut' shell knee cabriole front legs with claw and ball feet, W.1ft 9in. H.3ft 3in.
Estimate £1,000-1,500
These chairs are offered for sale on behalf of a deceased estate and come from an apartment in Kemp Town.
There has been a fair amount of interest in them and the construction is unusual, namely the front of the backs splats styles etc have been veneered in red walnut onto an oak backing, the back legs are solid oak, the seat rails are red walnut over oak, the front legs are red walnut, on initial inspection the chairs look good however there are a number of varying faults, all of the chairs have some small splits and cracks running at the top of the splats, all of the chairs have small dents and knocks throughout commensurate with age and use, all of the chairs show slight separation where the legs join the front seat rail, the chairs have been numbered with Roman numerals, the highest number of which is XXIIII, three chairs have had the seat rails reinforced internally with metal brackets, two of which remain solid, the other is a little wobbly, one chair has a combination of a wooden block and metal bracket reinforcing the seat rails but remains solid, all of the chairs have somewhat more pronounced knocks to the knees and feet again commensurate with use, all of the chairs show some wear to the staining of the oak particularly on the backs of the stiles and lower down on the legs, overall an interesting set of chairs, there has been some debate about their age, general consensus seems to be that they are 19th century in the 18th century style.
Viewing of this lot is recommended, please see our additional photographs.
Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. 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. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.
Sold for £950