Side chair

Date1750-1780

Mediumwalnut, beech

DimensionsOH: 36 3/4"; OW (seat): 21 1/4"; OD (seat): 17 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1975-47,2

DescriptionAppearance: serpentine crest rail with pointed ears; stiles flare outward at top, rounded on backs above seat rails; multiple pierced splat with diamond in quatrefoil above heart motif and slightly beveled on back; molded shoe; trapezoidal seat; seat rails rounded on upper edges and undercut on lower edges; front seat rail has central, symmetrical shell and acanthus leaf carving; front cabriole legs flanked by scrolled knee brackets and terminate in ball and claw feet; knees with rocaille, C scroll, and asymmetrical acanthus leaf carving; rear legs chamfered on all corners and splayed backwards.

Construction: All elements walnut except as noted; stiles and splat tenoned into crest rail; stiles laminated at top where they flare outward; stile fronts veneered; splat tenoned into shoe; shoe glued to rear seat rail; seat rails tenoned into legs; front and side seat rails rabbeted to accept slip seat; front and rear elements of beech slip seat frame tenoned into side elements; wooden block glued to center face of front seat rail for shell carving allowance; some scrolled knee brackets laminated; knee brackets glued to front legs, front and side seat rails.
MarkingsNo. 1 - "II" chiseled into front seat rail rabbet; "409" on oval brass tag on rear seat rail bottom edge; several wood sample scratches on inside of side and rear seat rails.

No. 2 - "X" chiseled into front seat rail rabbet; "408" on oval brass tag on rear seat rail bottom edge; several wood sample scratches on inside of front and left side seat rails.
ProvenanceChairs were owned by Archibald and Molly McCrea and used at Carter's Grove by the 1930s. Chairs were not purchased by the McCrea's at the Westover Auction.