Side chair, splat-back

Date1720-1760

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston area

MediumMaple, red oak, leather, and brass

DimensionsOH: 45 1/8"; Seat H: 18 1/2"; OW: 18"; D: 15".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-265

DescriptionSplat back side chair. Shaped and molded crest surmounting shaped stiles with molded face; raised bead molding on edges of both crest and stiles; S-shaped back, conforming to outline of stiles and covered with a double layer of black leather attached with brass tacks; rectangular rail at base of back between stiles; "square" seat upholstered over seat rail in black leather and attached with brass tacks; block and vase turned front legs terminating in Spanish feet; ball and ring turned front stretcher terminating in shaped thimbles at either end; rear legs "square" in section flaring slightly to rear at base; rectangular side and rear stretchers.

Woods: The seat rails and lower back are red oak; the rest of the chair is maple. Wood sampled by the US Dept. of Agriculture 6/13/1972.
Markings"IIII" in chalk on right side of seat rail; #5 on small modern label beneath right seat rail.
ProvenanceEx. collection: Hoffman, Mrs. Henry A.