Chippendale period walnut armchair, possibly Philadelphia, with shell and scroll carved crest and scrolled ears over a carved and pierced splat with heart shaped cut out flanked by scrolled volutes. Serpentine armrests ending in carved volutes; trapezoidal slip seat and deeply carved skirt with shell carving at center; shell carved knees and cabriole legs ending in flattened ball and claw feet. The skirt is joined by mortise and tenon joints to the rear legs, which are extensions of the stiles and end in a tapering round and raking form. Overall: 41" H x 26" W x 18 1/2" D. Seat height: 17'H. Circa 1770.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Marlin Phythyon Sanders, Nashville, Tennessee, purchased over 30 years ago from Eloise Jeffries, Farmhouse Antiques, Nashville.

CONDITION: Surface and upholstery exhibit sun fading. Several joints are loose, but stable. Arm joints appear to have old reinforcements at stiles. Small loss to edge of one return on skirt. Small old loss to carving on rear of one ear. Interior of skirt is missing front interior glue blocks. Wear and small losses to talons on feet. Shrinkage cracks to crest, possible repair to rear joint at crest and stile. Glue blocks on seat are replaced. Scattered general minor wear and abrasions, overall good condition.