A VERY RARE SET OF TWELVE MAHOGANY CONCERTINA-ACTION CAMPAIGN OR NAVAL CHAIRS, ENGLISH, CIRCA 1795

including a pair of armchairs, each having a rectangular back with three pierced and tapering vertical bar splats headed with leaf carved detail, the original seat pads with their horsehair stuffing and webbing, on square legs joined by stretchers, the inner cross stretcher lifting out to enable each chair seat to fold away after the seat pad has been removed -- 35 x 20¼ x 16¼in. (89 x 51.5 x 41cm.)

Provenance: Recently discovered in the cellars of a house in Spain

The design for this fashionable chair-back appears in Thomas Sheraton's 'Cabinet-Maker's and Upholsterer's Drawing Book' published in four parts 1791-1794.

It is very rare to find such a complete and long set of 18th century Campaign or Naval chairs, in fact no other known sets of twelve are documented. The very nature of their design and use made such chairs vulnerable to wear and tear. The speed with which these chairs can be folded and packed made them ideal for use in the Navy where it would be necessary to clear the decks very quickly.

There is a similar group in Nelson's cabin aboard H.M.S. Victory, although some are reproductions.

A set of four plus one armchair (although with cane seats) belonging to Admiral Boscawen are recorded in 'Some aspects of 18th century Naval Furniture', by Treve Rosoman, an article published in The Journal of The Furniture History Society, Vol XXXIII, 1997.

A similar example with a padded seat, but plain vertical bars in the back, was included in the exhibition catalogue 'At Ease Gentlemen: A catalogue of 18th, 19th and early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment', published by Christopher Clarke (Antiques) Ltd., 2002, item 8.

One chair and one armchair will be on view at Blythe Road, the remaining chairs will remain at Imperial Road

Condition Report

Some chairs retain original horse hair covered seats and these are worn and in some cases split and showing wear, some have been recovered in a plain blue cloth. The wood overall will need cleaning and would benefit from a wax, the actions appear good overall with good hinged joints.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.