Fine Set of Four Queen Anne Style Benchmade S & H Jewel Dining Chairs
Transitional Style, Plaque from S & H Jewel, England c. 1900
Item # 120101TRP01

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S & H Jewel was a firm of cabinetmakers and also a retailer of fine hand crafted furniture. The earliest filings suggest the firm began operation in 1830 and continued through the early 20th Century. They were renowned for offering pieces of uncompromising quality and their works still command a strong market. A set of chairs of similar quality, though without the fine apron and pegged construction, were offered at Christies in 2006 (Sale 4952, Lot 133) and brought in $8,463.

These four are a particularly stunning set, each chair with an incredible solid mahogany pierced splat of unusual design. The crest is a soft arch softly flowing into double curled carved ears, both of which easily flow with clear lines into the inward bent stiles, each flanking a complex array of crescents and triangular piercings with foliate influenced motifs flowing across the middle of the splat. Below the pierced portion of the splat is a beautiful solid carved portion that scallops down into the shoe, a second piece resting on the back rail of the frame. The trapezoidal form slip seats drop into a solid mahogany chair frame, pegged over the knees at each corner on either side of an incredible scroll cut scalloped apron. Acanthus carved knees flow into cabriole legs front legs, each terminating in carved slipper feet. The stiles form a perfect C-curve, flowing flawlessly from a side profile in a subtle C shape from the crest to the bottom of the foot, changing in shape from crescent along the stile to thick plain rear legs chamfered along each corner. Inside of the frame of each chair is a plaque noting the origin as "S & H Jewell, 132 High Holborn, London WC".
These are some of the most beautiful chairs we've found in the Centennial period with some of the most incredible scalloped lines available in chairs of this form, while also keeping the period details you would find in a Queen Anne chair of 1750. Each being sturdy and fully functional, these not only make an incredible acquisition for the collector, but also fully functional works of art for any decorative setting you may have in your home. This is a set you and your family will treasure in your home for many generations to come.

Measurements: 37 7/8" high x 22 1/2" wide (knee to knee) 21" deep; seat rests 19" over the ground

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