Attributed to Fredericksburg, possibly workshop of James Allen, circa 1770-80, spruce secondary, the first chair featuring a molded edge crest and stiles, distinctive carved and pierced back splat with rosettes and reeded intwined motif, set within a molded shoe, slip seat, flush molded seat rail, carved trefoil knee return, molded straight legs with inside chamfer, down-swept rear leg, flush stretcher base (36.5 x 20.25 x 20 in., seat height 17 in.); the second featuring a molded edge crest and stiles, distinctive carved and pierced back splat with shells, rosettes and reeded intertwined motif, set within a molded shoe, slip seat frame, flush molded seat rail, carved knee returns, molded straight front legs with inside chamfer, down-swept rear legs, flush stretcher base (35.5 x 20 x 20 in., seat height 17 in.).

Wood sample taken from front left corner block. An identification report from Alden Identification Service accompanies this lot.


From the Estate of the late Dr. Larry Southworth, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Acquired Swan Tavern Antiques.

The first chair: break and repair to both upper stiles at crest; later corner brace blocks; yellow pine seat frame is old and possibly original.

The second chair: break and repair to top right stile at crest; seat frame is present (old and likely original) but detached in two parts and lacking upholstery; three corner blocks are old and appear original.