Images(2)

Side chair

Date1750-1770

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumBlack walnut and oak (modern slipseat)

DimensionsOH: 40 1/4"; OW: 22"; OD: 20 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Joseph France.

Object number2001-39

DescriptionDESCRIPTION: Black walnut side chair with reversed serpentine curved crest rail; solid vase shaped splat; quirk bead around edges of back; scalloped front skirt; front cabriole legs with paneled trifid (drake) feet; rounded "stump" rear legs.
CONSTRUCTION: The seat rails are tenoned into mortises in the front and rear legs with single pegs in the front legs only. The side rails are through-tenoned, double-pegged into the back legs. The through-tenons have a small wedge at the top and bottom. Side rails are mortised into the front legs and single-pegged. There is no evidence that the chair ever had glue blocks. The stiles are tenoned to the crest rail. The solid splat is tenoned into the crest rail and shoe. The shoe is nailed to the rear seat rail. Knee blocks are nailed and glued in place.
ProvenanceFormerly owned by Joseph France's parents, Richard and Louisa F. France.