Provenance:

A Philadelphia collection;

Acquired from Catherine Bohlen (1904-1979), Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, circa 1970;

Miss Eliza Davids (1895-1956), Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Note:

This pair of side chairs belonged to an original set of at least six chairs. A pair from the set, numbered 'I' and 'V' sold January 21, 2006, Christie's, Property of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Nusrala, lot 666. Chair 'I' of this pair is illustrated in William Macpherson Hornor, Jr., Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture 1682-1807 (1935) Pl. 347, belonging at the time of printing to Eliza Davids. Another chair from the set (32.55.5) numbered 'VI' is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Miss Davids sold the present pair, numbers 'III' and 'IIII' to Catherine Bohlen presumably after the death of her parents Marian Milnor Morris (1864-1944) and Richard Wistar Davids (1861-1940). Davids sold the extraordinary Chippendale carved mahogany 'The Fox and the Grapes' dressing table, now in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2012-59-1), to antique dealer Joe Kindig in 1947.

It has been suggested that the prominent Quaker couple, Captain Samuel Morris (1734-1812) and Rebecca Wistar Morris (1735-1791), great-great-great grandparents of Eliza Davids, may have been the original owners of the present chairs.

The design of these chairs-with the Gothic trefoil pierced splat, carved knees, and molded and pendanted apron - was popular in Philadelphia. Derived from Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker's Director (1754), plates XII, XIII and XXIV, similar chairs have been attributed to the Philadelphia shops of James Gillingham (1736-1781) and Thomas Tufft (Circa 1740-1788) .

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.