Set of Four Period Louis XV Carved Fruitwood Fauteuil Arm Chairs, France, circa the 18th Century. Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as  More »

Set of Four Period Louis XV Carved Fruitwood Fauteuil Arm Chairs, France, circa the 18th Century. Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! These are a stunning set, rarely found in a full collection of four - because these are generally easier to sell as a single chair than as a set of four, they are regularly broken up and sold individually. To find a set that has not been merely assembled, but literally is crafted by the same hand and at the same date, still intact after three hundred years is difficult and infrequent. They feature a beautiful pink upholstery, stitched to form stripes in the shape of diamonds throughout, tacked to the frame with decorative brass nails. The crest of each chair features a bouquet of flowers with leaves flowing outward into a molded frame, serpentine along the sides and bottom around a comfortable upholstered back. Curved arms, upholstered at the center with brass tack lining, flow out from the back from pinned mortise-tenon joints into carved hand rests over incredibly molded and petite arm supports that curve in to join the seat frame with an S-scroll completing the design. The arm support proportions speak to the mastery of this set of chairs, noting just how thin the profile of each is and how delicately carved they are. The frame of the seat is carved long the apron with matching molding that flanks a floral bouquet. The four cabriole legs join the frame with exposed peg tenon-mortise joints behind floral carved knees before flowing in a perfect cyma-curve to terminate in understated foliate carved french toes - the carving on the toes is mirrored in the hand rests, where again the design is subtle and understated. Each chair has a wonderful glowing finish, deeply polished with a warm patina. The exposed back reveals all construction details, each chair enjoying original tenon-mortise joinery with small wooden pins to lock the frame together perfectly for many centuries. They have such a broad number of design uses within a formal home, as a flexible set that can be used for a small dining room, a full parlor set, a breakfast table or as two sets of two chairs in different rooms. Strong and sturdy in all joints, this set will continue to be enjoyed for many generations to come if well cared for, and will certainly be a treasure passed down within your family. Measurements: 34 1/4" high to crest x 20" deep x 22 1/2" wide; seat is 17" high over the ground See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

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 Visit us at  More »

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 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! 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 See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

A Set of Four Painted Louis XVI Fauteuil Arm Chairs and Side Chairs by Pierre Bernard Circa 1766-80, nne fauteuil of slightly different design, all four stamped "P. Bernard"  More »

A Set of Four Painted Louis XVI Fauteuil Arm Chairs and Side Chairs by Pierre Bernard Circa 1766-80, nne fauteuil of slightly different design, all four stamped "P. Bernard" in a circle under the seat rail Item # 110101PWI29 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! An exceptional salon suite featuring two near pair fauteuils à la reine and two side chairs, each chair is stamped "P. Bernard" noting the hand of Pierre Bernard, maître in Paris 1766. A "menuisier" (carpenter) by trade, Bernard was distinguished as one of the best chair craftsmen of his trade, documented at length with a vast number of works owned by patrons of importance. He provided extensive works for the Marquis de Laborde (1724-1794), the fermiers généraux under King Louis XV, crafting magnificent chairs for his château in Méréville, France. Another Pierre Bernard of note crafted works in France: the Ébéniste (cabinet-maker) Pierre Bernard (b. 1715-1770, France) operated his shop designing fine case works of the Louis XV infuence during the same period, but in light of not being the solo Pierre Bernard, he stamped his works "Pierre Bernard Ébéniste", thus clearly distinguishing himself from the menuisier. Documented works by Pierre Bernard the menuisier are identified as late as 1780 with significant holdings in museums throughout Europe. The present set is an elaborately carved suite of two fauteuils and two side chairs, each crafted of solid beechwood with later painted surfaces. The fauteuils are near pairs, each stamped by Bernard under the apron, but each of slightly differing proportions and carving depth denoting craftmanship at differing times. The set is a pure design taking on the full influence of the Louis XVI period, clearly evolved beyond the transitional period of the shifting taste from the flowing Rococo of Louis XV into the more rigid Neoclassicism of Louis XVI, a transition Bernard is famous for handling expertly. Balancing a certain austerity and exactness of shape with the flow of the fauteuil arms and the perfect splay of the legs, the chairs have poise and presence. The chair backs are molded with blue on cream paint highlights, framing a raised square upholstered back over fluted stiles that flow into the frame. The arms are upholstered, with a gentle swoon before curling into the handles. The supports enjoy a subtle cyma-curve, intensely carved with reed molded form before joining the seat frame. The apron is likewise molded with simple lines, flanked by square corners with carved rosettes over turned and stop-fluted legs terminating in toupie sabot feet. Intense ring turning signal the start of each leg, but it is incredible as you examine each leg how every single leg is just slightly different. The slightest difference in width, depth of rings and quickness of turn is an ever present reminder that each leg was a work of art slowly developed with the knife of a highly skilled menuisier, while also highlighting the effects of shrinking and expanding woods changing a round turning to become spherical. Each chair boasts a fine light blue floral re-upholstery in overall excellent condition with only minor wear and subtle staining. Early repainted surfaces bring harmony to the lines with the deep patina of a soft finish mellowed and worn over the generations. Each chair is constructed with exposed peg tenon joints, some of these pegs replaced, which has allowed the frame to breathe as it expands and contracts with time. The underside of the front rail of each chair is impressed with the stamp "P. Bernard", only a few letters legible on some chairs, the stamp quite clear on two of the chairs. The stamp is formed in a circle, a branding Bernard is recorded using in his works until some time after 1770 when he began using "P. Bernard" stamped in a single line. This is a rare set with incredible form, raw and simply powerful lines and stance throughout. Each chair is very strong and fully functional, a testament to the care and expertise shown in the original joinery - this is an exceptional set you will truly cherish for a lifetime. Reference Materials Christies Sale 7104, Lot 231 - two side chairs of similar appeal w/ giltwood surfaces, sold for $6,228 Christies Sale 5453, Lot 295 - a simple carved fruitwood fauteuil crafted by Bernard, sold for $3,210 The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor, Furniture, Clocks and Gilt Bronzes, vol. II, London, 1974, pp. 608-11, no. 130 "Les Sieges" G. Janneau, Paris, 1967 p. 123 Koller Auctions (Zurich, Switzerland) Sale June 19, 2007, Lot 1221 - very similar design painted suite (canapé & five fauteuils) c. 1775-80, estimate $32,000-$52,000 Measurements: Arm chairs - 22 3/4" wide at front knees, 20" deep, 17 1/2" high to seat, 35 1/2" high to crest Side chairs - 18 1/2" wide at front knees, 17" deep, 20" high to seat, 36" high to crest Seat dimensions 22 3/4" W x 16 1/2" D 18 1/2" H to top of seat cushion, 38" H to crest See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

American Fan Back Windsor Side Chair, Walter Steely Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, circa 1925-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures  More »

American Fan Back Windsor Side Chair, Walter Steely Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, circa 1925-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! Walter Steely (b. 1897-1977) lived and crafted his beautiful creations in Lititz, Pennsylvania in Lancaster County. The serpentine crest rail terminates in turned volutes, supported with two sharply ring- rod-turned maple back rails flanking seven turned tapered spindles, each locking into the crest with every other spindle pegged with small through-pins. The saddle seat is a single solid board scooped seat, hand carved around the entire rim and fluted around the spindles. All four legs tenon through the seat, using split-wedge joinery to lock these legs flawlessly in place. The legs are turned Philadelphia-style, with incredible sharp rings spun in beautiful maple rods, perfectly splayed in exact proportion to the chair and stretched with an H form bulbed stretcher. The back of the seat is initialed W.S., Walter Steely's signature way of identifying pieces. This is simply one of the most beautiful fanback chairs we've seen of his. With a glowing rubbed finish, hand carvings throughout the entire chair and strength in every joint, this is a collector quality investment grade windsor signed by the artist. It is an outstanding find for any collector of Walter Steely chairs, as there is quite a following for his pieces in particular, but also for any collector of windsor chairs with period construction detail and design. Measurements: 21" wide x 20 1/2" deep x 37 1/2" high to crest; 18 1/2" high to seat. See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

American Philadelphia Style Low Back Windsor Arm Chair, Walter Steely Lancaster County, Pennsylvania c. 1925-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow  More »

American Philadelphia Style Low Back Windsor Arm Chair, Walter Steely Lancaster County, Pennsylvania c. 1925-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! Walter Steely (b. 1897-1977) lived and worked in Lititz, Pennsylvania in Lancaster County where his chairs few an incredible local following. Crafted entirely by hand using period techniques and identified as a Walter Steely chair with his signature brand of W.S., every detail is constructed with the eye of an artisan. Originally, these chairs were crafted as early as 1740 and as late as 1790, almost entirely in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. It features a wonderful original red milk paint finish, well preserved with a growing patina. The crest is smooth and comfortably sloping, flanked on either side by step down cuts as it falls into the steam bent medial rail arm. Screws go up through the medial rail to lock the crest on firmly. The rail wraps around the entire seat back into carved outward flaring handholds over tenoned vertical spindles and two turned baluster and ring arm supports. The plank seat is a single solid board, characteristically D-shaped with sharp angular chamfering, carefully carved to create a comfortable seating surface; all four legs tenon through the seat, locked in place with split wedge joinery. The four legs are turned in the classic Philadelphia manner, with thin baluster turnings below the seat over turned rings and elongated balusters over a reel and ring; below that a cylinder terminating in the classical Philadelphia ball foot. The side stretchers have subtle ball turnings, stretched with a center double baluster ring-and-reel turning. This is an absolutely gorgeous and incredibly practical chair. Not only is it highly collectible among Windsor design purists, quite decorative for those looking to bring formal design to a home, and entirely crafted and carved by hand - it also is very comfortable. It is an outstanding piece for a corner, for in front of a desk or beside a fine side table. This is a piece you will cherish in your home for years to come, one that will be passed down through many generations with a strength to last many centuries. Measurements: 25" wide x 22" deep x 32" high to crest; 18 3/8" high to seat. See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

Chippendale Period Armless Upholstered Side Chair Mahogany and presumably American circa 1780-90 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as  More »

Chippendale Period Armless Upholstered Side Chair Mahogany and presumably American circa 1780-90 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! This gorgeous chair has a softly serpentine crest over a slightly backswept upholstered back. The stiles are full length of mahogany, stretching from the crest through the feet to create an incredibly strong frame, the legs being square, canted with chamfered interior corners. The upholstered seat is stuffed over the softly serpentine frame, mirroring the light wave of the crest. Marlboro legs with cut molded outer corners are stretched with an H-form box stretcher, the center bar dovetailed into the side stretchers from the underside with single ear dovetails. The old finish is worn and full of character, a deep wonderful patina glowing through the legs and stretcher. This is a gorgeous chair for anyone with a passion for the Chippendale era, hand carved and crafted with unusually broad comfortable proportions. With outstanding construction and strength in all joints, it makes a fine practical piece in front of a period desk or in a hallway beside a small table. This is just the accent piece needed for a formal setting and a chair your family will enjoy for many generations. Note: We have not removed the upholstery from the chair to examine secondary woods. We presume this to be American from the design, but there are not enough design elements to be positive without undressing the frame. We leave that to the buyer to determine. If this is important to you, please examine the images below prior to purchase. Measurements: 23 1/4" wide x 21" deep x 38 1/4" high; seat rests 17 1/2" over ground See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

Very Fine French Louis XV Style Gilt Painted Carved Fauteuil Arm Chair France, circa 1850-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as  More »

Very Fine French Louis XV Style Gilt Painted Carved Fauteuil Arm Chair France, circa 1850-75 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! The detail in this chair is simply outstanding, with masterfully executed carvings flowing across the entire frame, it's gold gilt paint oxidizing and wearing into an incredibly fine patina and a deep upholstery bringing old country comfort to this work of art. The crest is carved with a familiar floral arrangement, flowing down into the molded frame and crawling outwards from it. Two carved finials top a square molded frame, with deep infinity designs carved along the center and foliage spilling down from a rosette motif. These flank a broad upholstered trapezoidal back, flowing down into two upholstered arms with carved arm rests. The top of each arm rest has a tiny filled peg, masking a screw that beneath the wood locks the support into the arm rest. Each arm rest curves inward, with deep carved molding and leafing at the bottom. The deep seat is stuffed over the frame, rimmed by the infinity design carved around the entire apron, broken only by the swirled rosette at the center and both corners above the legs. The frame rests over four cabriole legs terminating over french toes. This fine work of art is a must-have for any collector of the Louis XV design, or the designer with a formal room in need of a focal point. It is a conversation piece as well as a wonderful seating piece for practical regular use. It is strong, comfortable and gorgeous - all the elements of well designed formal decor. It is a chair that will be treasured in your home for several generations. Measurements: 25 3/4" wide x 21" deep x 36 1/2" high; seat rests 17" above the ground See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

American Queen Anne Blue Painted Tilt Top Candlestand Crafted of solid maple beneath original blue surface, entirely original hardware New England States, c. the late 18th  More »

American Queen Anne Blue Painted Tilt Top Candlestand Crafted of solid maple beneath original blue surface, entirely original hardware New England States, c. the late 18th Century Item # 120011UPW24 See more details and a full slideshow on this piece at www.sillafineantiques.com This is a very rare and fine American Queen Anne Tilt Top Candlestand, an entirely original table crafted of solid maple in the New England States c. 1760-80. This rural work is devoid of excessive embellishment or decoration, restrained to bring beauty from the overall form, shape and pleasing colors of the table without distracting from these elements with carvings. The edges of the top are smooth, worn from years of rubbing and use, the maple with a nice oxidized and overall quite warm patina. It tilts on two rails from the underside, these and all other elements entirely undisturbed - as a result, as the top has shrunk over the years, the square pedestal head is slightly larger than where it joins the top between the rails, stopping the table from laying in a rested position. This should not be changed, as the beauty and value in this table is dramatically enhanced by the undisturbed nature of it's parts - it should be displayed in tilted form. The rails are joined to the table top with entirely original hand forged screws, a dowel extending from the square head into these rails on either side allowing the table to rotate. The head of the pedestal appears to be maple, though it is hard to verify beneath the paint, the pedestal joined through this with a through-tenon. The turned ring-and-baluster pedestal is a work of art, swelling boldly at the midmost point over a tight collection of rings before the cabriole snake footed legs join into the pedestal, an original hand forged iron tri-bracket securing these together from underneath. This rare and remarkably well preserved work of early American furniture is a wonderful find for any serious collector. It's mellow tones and soft form bring an unusual sense of beauty to any decorative setting, clearly executed by a tasteful and skilled craftsman, clearly valuing the aesthetic beauty of a clean line and bold form over the more lavish appeal of many such tables. This is a piece you will cherish in your collection for a lifetime. Measurements: 41 7/8" high tilted, 27 7/8" rested; 25 1/8" x 18 3/4" top diameter; 24 1/2" from toe to toe   « Less

Philadelphia Style Chippendale Benchmade Walnut Lowboy Reproduced by hand after the originals, Early 20th Century Shell Carved Drawer and Apron, Chamfered Corner Columns  More »

Philadelphia Style Chippendale Benchmade Walnut Lowboy Reproduced by hand after the originals, Early 20th Century Shell Carved Drawer and Apron, Chamfered Corner Columns over Ball and Claw Feet Item # 120011ETQ24 See detailed images and descriptions of this piece at: http://www.sillafineantiques.com/servlet/the-648/American-Chippendale-Lowboy-Chest/Detail This is a wonderful hand crafted and carved solid walnut lowboy chest of drawers, crafted in the Philadelphia manner with a shell carved middle drawer. It features hand chiseled pierced brass Chippendale hardware, original to the piece and crafted at the time of the lowboy, this hardware sliding the hand dovetailed drawers easily in and out of the case. A tiny brass knob opens the shell carved middle drawer. The top of the chest is three boards of walnut, typical of 20th Century creations where broader pieces of walnut are exceedingly expensive and difficult to attain. The apron of the lowboy is scroll cut with wonderful flow, culminating at the midmost with an upside down shell carving. The sides of the case are single planks of solid walnut. The entire lowboy rests over soft cabriole legs terminating in highly detailed ball and claw feet. This is a beautiful piece for anyone that has wanted a hand crafted lowboy, but do not want to pay the five-figure price tag for an original. Crafted with hours of painstaking attention to detail using entirely solid walnut primary woods, this is a fine acquisition that you will enjoy for a lifetime. Measurements: 33 1/2" wide x 21 1/4" deep x 30 3/4" high   « Less

Mid Century Modern mahogany drexel occasional table c1960. Measures 22 inches across its top, 20 inches high with a 16 inch base. Excellent condition. This piece is on  More »

Mid Century Modern mahogany drexel occasional table c1960. Measures 22 inches across its top, 20 inches high with a 16 inch base. Excellent condition. This piece is on display in our gallery at Old Saybrook Antiques Center and can be seen in-person by visiting 756 Middlesex Tpke Old Saybrook, CT 06475. For hours of operation visit: http://www.OldSaybrookAntiques.com Shipping extra. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut add 6.35% state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes,tariffs or customs that might apply. *** If you wish to see examples of similar items we have sold and/or appraised please go to our affiliate site www.OneofaKindAntiques.com and click the Archives / Homepage logo ***   « Less