5-slat side chair

1775-1825

or early 20th century

Measurements

46 in x 20 in x 15-3/4 in

Materials

Maple, rush seat

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.567

Condition Notes

The chair survives in extraordinary condition, which raises the question of whether it is a later reproduction.  It is made very accurately, except for the small details noted in the “Comments” below. Nonetheless, the donors were early collectors of American furniture, and so may have been able to acquire such a chair that simply was not used much.  Like their other chairs of this type, all paint has been removed, except for that on the seat.

Provenance

Bequest of Dr. and Mrs. J. Newberry Reynolds to The David Wilson Mansion, Inc., in 1942.

Comments

This 5-slat chair has arched slats of graduated sizes, the topmost of which is pinned into the rear posts, as was customary.  The slats unlike most others in their thickness, being 5/16 inches rather than about 3/16 inches.  The ball-and-reel finials have nipples at the top that are significantly longer than usual. The rear posts taper visibly, ending in sharp tapers at the bottom.  The front legs also taper.  The balusters turned near the top lack the customary lips at the top of the narrow necks. The ball feet in front show no wear whatsoever; neither does the ring-and-ball turned front stretcher, which is of a slightly smaller diameter than normal.  All of the turned parts exhibit appropriate score lines that marked where the chairmaker had to drill holes for assembly.