The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

This important pair of masterfully carved library armchairs are well-preserved and ready to place. There are the typical minor overall marks, nicks, and scratches as well as tiny losses and small replacements to the extremities of the carving in areas as can only be expected to occur as the result of age and use.

The rails of both chairs have been reinforced in the 20th century with an additional sycamore inner frame, they were applied on top of the original rails to serve as an added support structure. The original corner-braces have also been maintained and are still in place.

As stated in the cataloguing, there are minor variations to the overall dimensions, and also to the carving between the two armchairs; this is most evident to the variations in the designs between the shells on the aprons. This variation is typical and expected for chairs from large suites, and are the result of the different individual carvers from the same workshop employed to complete different chairs (and in this instance, these variations between the chairs are consistent with other documented pairs of chairs sold from this suite).

The guttae feet on both chairs have had repairs, and formerly had casters.

The upholstery on both chairs is in good condition with minor scattered small stains and areas of wear.

Chair A1:
- Has three mahogany rails which were probably later replacements from the 20th century. The back rail is original, and is beech, and has old inactive wormholes which are presumably the reason for the replacement of the other 3 rails.
- This chair features the shells with the more ‘scalloped’ design to the apron carving.
- the front feet have guttae feet on 3 sides, but the back feet only have it on 2 sides (having been repaired previously).
- both front brackets are okay, the proper right side of the front bracket is a later replacement,
- both back brackets with repairs and small losses and replaced carved elements
- proper right front leg with replaced later-carved flower bud,
- The seat rail with some minor horizontal age cracks, with a chip to the corner shell of the seat rail, and some old nail holes and very tiny nail heads in some places to keep applied frieze carving on seat rail in place.
- proper left front corner with a dent to the carving, and some degradation to the polish on the outer side of the leg. Small losses to carving on outer side of leg.
- proper back left leg with small losses and cracking to carving.
- same leg has small loss to the inner corner molding above the foot.
- The proper right back leg has a repaired crack going through the guttae.
- Proper right arm with some visible upholstery tack holes.

Chair B1 has beech rails, and has carved 'pie crust' shells on seat rail frieze.
- the front and back feet have guttae notches on three sides
- The proper left front bracket with a repair through the center, the proper left front side bracket with replaced scroll and repaired scroll to lower section.
- proper right front bracket with repair through lower edge of lower C-scroll
- proper right side bracket with small scroll carving previously repaired and now lacking
- proper right rear bracket possibly an old well-matched replacement
- The legs of B1 are slightly thicker than the legs of A1.
- Proper right corner edge of seat rail with some old glue residue.
- Proper left arm with some infilled repairs to the armrest arm terminal
- proper right arm with some old tack holes from upholstery

COMPLETE DIMENSIONS:
Chair A1 Dimensions:
39¹⁄₄ in high, 28.1/5 in wide, 30¹⁄₄ in deep
Seat height: 16 in
Armrest height: (to tops of padded upholstery) 26 in.
Seat width: 28 in
Seat depth: 26 in

Chair B1 Dimensions:
40 in high, 28³⁄₄ in wide, 30³⁄₄ in deep
Seat height: 17¹⁄₄ in
Armrest height (to tops of padded upholstery): 26¹⁄₄ in
Seat width: 28 in
Seat depth: 26¹⁄₄