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The present lot can be attributed to the Clerkenwell cabinet-maker Giles Grendey (1693-1780) by the style, quality and presence of the 'RW' stamp found on the underside of the back seat rail. Journeyman chair-makers in Grendey's employment appear to have regularly, if not routinely, initialed their work. The same stamp appears on a set of probably twelve walnut chairs and a settee attributed to Grendey. Of that set, six chairs (plus the unstamped settee) were in the collection formed by Viscount Leverhulme (d. 1925), four were acquired in 1975 by Noel Terry for Fairfax House, York, and a further pair was sold Christie's, London, 25 June 1981, lot 25 (L. Wood, The Upholstered Furniture in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool, 2008, vol. I, no. 20, pp. 245 - 263). Another chair corresponding closely to Grendey's oeuvre and also bearing the 'RW' stamp was sold anonymously Christie's, London, 17 March 2011, lot 204 (£3,750 including premium).
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Condition report
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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.
Each overall in good, stable condition. Very vivid walnut. Nice old drop-in seat frames. The chairs with some minor age and construction cracks as expected. The burl-walnut veneer with some minor areas of buckling, minute losses and infill. One chair with patch to veneer proper left side seat rail and also with a repaired old split to the back proper right back leg at the top (stable and not extensive). The needlework coverings are vibrant and with some use wear including discoloration, pulls, snags and areas of re-stitching. Presents well overall, ready to place.
393⁄4 in. (101 cm.) high, 22 in. (56 cm.) wide, 231⁄4 in. (59 cm.) deep, overall 171⁄4 in. (44 cm.) high, 21 in. (53.5 cm.) wide, 17 in. (43 cm.) deep, the seat
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Lot 73Sale 23577
ATTRIBUTED TO GILES GRENDEY, CIRCA 1730A PAIR OF GEORGE II BURR-WALNUT SIDE CHAIRSEstimate: USD 15,000 - 25,000
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