Fan-back Windsor side chair

1795-1810

Measurements

37 in x 20-1/2 in x 19-5/8 in

Materials

Basswood* (seat), maple* (legs and stretchers), hickory* (crest and rear posts)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3644

Condition Notes

The heavy coat of dark green paint has begun to flake off.  It is also worn in places.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This seven-spindle, fan-back Windsor side chair has turned end posts with elongated (almost stringy) double balusters above a short, stocky baluster.  Double-baluster turned posts occur in various places in Southern New England, but not always with this kind of crest.  The legs and stretchers are of relatively common shapes, but they are stocky in comparison to the posts.  The carved seat has a high pommel in front.  Despite the unusual qualities of the turnings, no documented examples have come to light to help identify where this chair was made.  The legs are round-tenoned through the shield-shaped seat.  The crest rail bows quite deeply.