Jeremy Ltd., London

Stained mahogany now worn to expose lighter areas. One chair with back right leg with restored crack, front right leg with restored break and now with a peg to secure it, and back left leg with some chips to foot; stretcher with some lifting at join of one side. Both chairs with some minor wood worm to undersides. Usual bruises, nicks, and scratches consistent with use and age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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 Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The origin of the characteristically Scottish 'cockpen' chair possibly relates to the village of Cockpen in Midlothian. The family pew of the Earls and Marquesses of Dalhousie in Cockpen church used to contain examples of this form of chair. A derivation of the 'Chinese Chippendale' style, the cockpen chair thrived in Scotland during the second half of the 18th century. A very similar chair possibly by the Scottish firm of Young, Hamilton and Trotter is illustrated in F. Bamford, A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1983, pl.46.