Oversized Louis XV Style Carved Fruitwood Upholstered Wingback Bergere Arm Chair Early 20th Century, Probably Cherry-wood Item # 120009TQI16 Visit us at  More »

Oversized Louis XV Style Carved Fruitwood Upholstered Wingback Bergere Arm Chair Early 20th Century, Probably Cherry-wood Item # 120009TQI16 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! This is a beautiful Early 20th Century revival of the Louis XV style executed entirely by hand in solid fruitwood, appearing to be a wonderful deep grained cherry. It has deep and precise carvings covering the frame in a very tasteful and appropriate way, starting with the half-moon shell form interlaced with various floral carvings that flow outward into a plain molded frame, wrapping around the full wings that flank the comfortable upholstered back. The wonderful S-formation of the wings culminate in an upholstered arm, curling into carved and swelled handholds. The removable cushion is thick and comfortable, resting over an upholstered frame and apron with only a thin edge of exposed cherry molding flowing around the apron, the frontmost medallion inspired by the shell-and-floral carved crest. The chair rests over cabriole legs terminating in french toes wrapped in acanthus leaves. This is a simply outstanding find for anyone decorating their home in the Louis XV or overall French flavor of decor, bringing functionality and beauty to any formal setting. It is oversized, making it a comfortable lounging chair, a sturdy and strong piece to curl up in and read a good book in the library or study, or that social piece for the living room. The crisp carvings glow through a deep and highly polished finish, full of character and patina, making this a piece you will cherish for a lifetime. Measurements: 35 1/2" wide x 33" deep x 39 1/2" high; cushion is 18 1/2" over the ground, cushion dimensions are 28" wide x 26" deep See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

Fine Original Comb-Back Windsor Rocking Chair w/ Carved Knuckle Arms Pennsylvania, probably Chester County or Philadelphia c. 1770-1790 Item # 120009UYP08 Visit us at  More »

Fine Original Comb-Back Windsor Rocking Chair w/ Carved Knuckle Arms Pennsylvania, probably Chester County or Philadelphia c. 1770-1790 Item # 120009UYP08 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! This is a rare form of Windsor, featuring what we believe to be fully original rocking slats on a comb-back carved knuckle arm chair. These are difficult to find and regularly had the rocking slats removed and the legs shortened to hide the original rocking slats. With a wonderful and very early black painted surface, the patina throughout this chair is quite well developed and certainly to be cherished. The crest is curved from oak, the inverted oxbow design giving it a soft flow as it culminates in the carved ears on either side. These are not simply a part of the crest, but rather spring up as a logical extension from the splayed spindles that curve outward to join the crest. The hickory spindles, nine making up the full curved back, taper from the seat to the crest, still maintaining excellent form after nearly 250 years with no damage whatsoever. Joining the spindles, a solid steam bent piece of oak wraps around the entire midsection, creating the arm rail as it is intensely carved at the end to result in magnificent knuckle hand holds. Raising these on either side, the turned maple arm supports lock this rail firmly in place, joining through the seat with a through-wedge-tenon from beneath the seat. The seat is ovular in form, scooped deeply from a single plank of incredibly thick pine forming a comfortably shaped seating surface, the back and underside sharply chamfered and hand planed - the underside of the seat appears to have an old chalk inscription, illegible and rather hard to see at this point. The legs are turned in the New England manner, stretched with an H-form stretcher turned to form a central bobbin, the medial stretcher flanked by rings on either side of the bobbin. As the feet start to taper, they transition sharply into the curved slats of the rocker. We've looked at these carefully, as it is very difficult to find chairs with original rocker slats and it is an important distinction to make for any serious collector. A few things we have considered: first, the splay of the legs is very healthy, measuring approximately 22" with a seat width of 21 3/4". A chair without the rockers would require an additional 2 1/2"-3" of leg, which would make the splay quite strange when compared against the width of the seat. Further, the legs do not taper as much as your typical Pennsylvania leg, which makes sense as an original rocker would be designed to have a slightly thicker leg to withstand the pressure of the rocker. The screws going through each leg are original hand forged screws except for one, which appears to be an early 19th century screw. These lead us to believe the rocker slats are an original part of the design, but we do ask that you review the photos carefully to identify this for yourself. This is a simply outstanding find for any serious collector of Pennsylvania furniture or of Windsor chairs. With a wonderful painted finish, a flawlessly executed design and in excellent condition, this is a chair you will treasure in your home for a lifetime. Measurements: 43" high x 25 1/4" wide x 25 1/2" deep Woods: Maple: Turned Legs, Stretchers, Arm Supports Pine: Seat Oak: Knuckles, Crest Rail, Arm Rail Hickory: Spindles See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

Set of Six Sheraton Antique Style Mahogany Dining Chairs Early 20th Century Item # 120009TIT08 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as  More »

Set of Six Sheraton Antique Style Mahogany Dining Chairs Early 20th Century Item # 120009TIT08 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! This is for a set of six dining room chairs crafted after the original designs of the Federal Period in the Sheraton taste. They were probably crafted between the years of 1890 and 1910, the height of the Centennial period where a revived taste for the colonial designs drove craftsmen to produce some very fine pieces inspired by originals. This set features a mahogany inlaid rectangular crest over shapely stiles, molded along the front and stretched with three crossbars made visually interesting by their crisp carved molding and the round ball designs separating each. The seat is nearly trapezoidal, upholstered in a velvet upholstery that will need to be changed due to staining and wear, stuffed over the seat and nailed along the edge with round brass upholstery tacks. The chairs rest over bulb-turned reeded and tapered legs, truly executed with remarkable skill in identical fashion of an original Sheraton leg. The entire chair set has a wonderful old finish, almost certainly original, alligatoring and with much wear and oxidization forming a well developed overall patina beneath the rubbed shellac finish. This is a wonderful set crafted by hand and carved with wonderful selections of mahogany, designed to last generations and still young. Sturdy and strong in all joints, this is a set that can be used functionally without guilt or worry, while still being able to enjoy the timeless lines of one of the most popular designs of the Federal era. This set will certainly be cherished by you and your family in any formal dining room. Measurements: 21" wide x 17 3/4" deep x 34 1/2" high; 18 3/4" high to seat See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

Original 18th Century Sack Back Windsor Arm Chair Woods: Hickory (arms, crest rail, spindles), Maple (arm supports, legs and stretcher), Poplar (seat) Origin: Probably New  More »

Original 18th Century Sack Back Windsor Arm Chair Woods: Hickory (arms, crest rail, spindles), Maple (arm supports, legs and stretcher), Poplar (seat) Origin: Probably New England, though the use of poplar for the seat does lend a possibility of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Circa 1770-80 Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! This is a wonderful early example of what has become known as a "sack back" windsor. It's origin is a bit difficult to ascertain without a provenance, as it has what are typically understood as New England turnings, smooth turned stretchers as often found in Connecticut and Massachusetts works, but what we are almost certain is a poplar seat - these are typical in chairs of Pennsylvania, specifically Lancaster County, where the New England leg turning was widely used. It was very well executed, the bowed crest with a soft curvature, flowing easily into the curved arm rail. Each spindle tenons through this crest rail, each with split-wedge tenon device hammered into the top of each to lock them into the crest. This split-wedge is replicated in all through-tenon joints in the chair. More uniquely, and as a testament to the attention shown by it's craftsman, each long spindle swells at the lower half in symmetry with it's opposing spindle, then tapering impossibly thin at the top. Built to last, not a single spindle has been damaged or broken, despite the very thin profile of each. The arm rail has a soft upward slope, creating an overall backward leaning profile, allowing you to rest comfortably in a slightly reclined position as your arms rest naturally. Supporting each arm is a turned maple arm support, each turned with superior level of skill - if you are familiar with sack back examples, comparing the soft swelling and sharp turnings of the arm supports will certainly set this chair apart from it's peers. The seat has a chiseled channel around the spindles, as typically found in this form, giving shape to the ovular shaped seat, formed carefully to allow comfort. This rests over four ring-baluster turned and tapered legs supported by an H-form stretcher, swollen at the medial and smooth along the edges. The stretcher is somewhat unique, often designed with a sharp turned-ring flanking the swell. It has a nice splay to the legs, comfortable and stable while still being quite angular. The finish appears to have once been a delicious reddish-brown, now worn mostly away into an alligatored overall finish that was preserved with a shellac, probably in the last fifty years. This is a wonderful find for any collector of pure American antiques. It is fully original in all all aspects but the finish, remnants of which are still visible in parts to lend to what it may have looked like at one point, now with a delightful crackling dancing through it's parts. It is fully functional and actually very comfortable as well. It would be an amazing piece in front of your desk, a piece you will enjoy regularly and that will complete any colonial decor. You will treasure this chair. Measurements: 23 3/4" wide (arm to arm), 14 3/4" deep, 35 1/4" high to crest, 17" high to seat See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

19th Century Wrought Iron Savonarola Window Bench Queen Anne Style w/ Pad Feet, Europe Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a  More »

19th Century Wrought Iron Savonarola Window Bench Queen Anne Style w/ Pad Feet, Europe Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture! A unique chair in every way, this fantastic wrought iron window bench is fashioned loosely in the form of the Savonarola chair of the Renaissance. It has an overall Moroccan appeal, a taste of mystery in the overall formation of the piece. With round ball finials at each corner, the upper portion of the chair is a full U shape, forming a seat at the center with upholstery over the iron springs. The lower half mirrors the top, an inverted U with a shaped stretcher joining each foot permanently, capped in the center with another ball finial. The legs cabriole into sharp spade form pad feet. This is a simply gorgeous and incredibly unique designer find. It is strong throughout, fully functional and perfect for any lonely corner or empty window. You will certainly treasure this piece for a very long time. Measurements: 23 1/2" wide x 14 " deep x 31 3/4" high to top of finial See something you can't live without? Let us know! We consider all reasonable offers - sales@sillafineantiques.com   « Less

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