A Very Rare Pair of Charles II Oak Armchairs

Each chair having a substantial scrolled cresting rail, with a central bunch of grapes, flanked by flowers and stylised dragon heads to the outer edges. Below the crest is a large single panel with a tall central fan-shaped flower head surrounded by further flowers, vines and grapes.

The seats in both chairs are formed of two boards (all with matching grain) and having a moulded edge which runs around the outside of the arm supports. The seat rails are deeply run-moulded and finish at the bottom edge by a small applied bolection moulding.

The legs are beautifully turned, with a ball and fillet design, and finish with a full height of “block” into which the substantial stretchers are morticed.

The proportions of the pair are impressive, considerably larger than the average Cheshire/Lancashire chair, which would suggest they were made for a fine house of a wealthy family, which would reflect in the remarkable condition they are in, having had no restoration in the past 350 years.

Height 45 inches, width across the arms 25.5 inches, depth 18.5 inches.

North Cheshire/Lancashire circa 1650-80.

Ref 2598