18th Century Ladder-Back Chairs with Curve-Top Slat-Back, Black Paint With Gold Colored Accents, Rush Seat, Hand-Turned Finials and Mushroom Handholds

Exquisite and Rare 18th century Ladder Slat-Back, original paint Chair w/rush Seats, Finials, Mushroom Handholds on arms

-Exquisite 18th century black painted ladder back armchair with gold colored accents.

-Purchased from the late Grace Holman’s personal collection at the renown Dolly Johnson Annual Antique and Art Show. Claiming to be the largest and oldest antique show in the South West, it was founded in 1963 and ran for ~50 years at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.
(Highly reputable dealers traveled from all states, fiercely competing for a much coveted booth. Dealers were selected based on reputation and portfolio and strove to be honest for fear of loosing their spot. )

-Grace described this as a “pilgrim era” chair.

-Circa 1790-1800, probably Hudson River Valley.

-Remarkable overall condition make this a very desirable find on a chair of this early date. The chair is in very good condition with no wobble. The rush seat is slightly damaged but useable.

-Great patina, blank paint with gold accents that Grace Holmes believed to be original.

-Grace guessed it was probably pine, but said sometimes they used different type woods under paint.

I have owned it for ~30 years, 2 person, non-smoking, a/c, home away from sunshine, and animals. Considered rare art, only used to add beauty to decor (never sitting), and treated with kid gloves.

Ladder-back with curved topped slats in ladder back.

-Hand done (per Grace) turnings provide added design and definition to the arm supports, base and the finials.

-Comfortable height arms ending in mushroom handholds

-Finials with gold colored accents. The top right finial is missing a portion. Please see pics

-Old rush seat, looks to be original, not positive, definitely old w/ slight damage, but useable.

-Sturdy, no wobble

-Overall Dimensions:
44” H x 23” W x 19.5” D
Inside Dimensions:
22” H (from seat) x 18” D x 22” W (at front) x 18.5” W (at back of seat
Seat height from floor: 18”
Arm Height: 25” from floor
Does appear to be a shorter chair than many of new chairs.

-Timeless lines and classic beauty allows it to mesh easily with many interior decor styles: European Farmhouse, Traditional, Transitional, Ranch, French Country, Boho, Country, Rustic High-Country, or eclectic Modern look. Exquisite and Rare 18th century Ladder Slat-Back, original paint Chair w/rush Seats, Finials, Mushroom Handholds on arms

Feel free to ask for video or additional pictures.