Outstanding
William and Mary
Banister Back Chair
Pictured and described in the
Yale University Collection    

New England, likely Providence, Rhode Island, ca. 1720-1780. Maple.

Distinguished by a double-arched crest rail, amplified by a beautiful gold border added when the paint was updated in the early to mid-19th century. Embellished with ball and urn finials, ogee-turned legs, double-arched stay rail, double ball stretcher, and retaining full-height flattened-ball feet and conical rear posts.

About 42 inches tall; seat width 19 3/8; seat depth 14 3/8. Excellent very solid condition, retaining a terrific dry crackly surface and burnished wear from handling. Early rush seat.

Provenance: Recently from the original family where it had been passed down (the Stevens family, Rumford, Rhode Island); noted antiques dealer, researcher, and author Gary Sullivan; Yale University’s famed American Furniture Study Center (ask me for the link).