Commissioned by Bob and Ellen Hunter for Hunter Hereford Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, circa 1945
Fighting Bear Antiques, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1987
Robert and Geraldine Dellenback, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Coeur d'Alene Auction, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, July 26, 1997, lot 20 (partial)

Interior West: The Craft & Style of Thomas Molesworth, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming, June 19 - September 10, 1989; Gene Autry Wetern Heritage museum, Los Angeles, California, March 16 - May 22, 1990

Terry Winchell, Molesworth: The Pioneer of Western Design, Layton, UT, 2005, p. 104 (illustrated)

Overall in very good original condition. The minor scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, marks, minor areas of rubbing and discoloration, and a few areas of paint residue, all consistent with age and gentle use. There are natural knots, irregularities, and separations in the wood grain, typical for Inland fir, which have been reinforced with wood infill in areas by Molesworth at the time of production. The leather is original and presents with a more vibrant lemon yellow than is visible in the catalogue illustration; its surfaces with some creasing and craquelure throughout, and with scattered scuffs, scratches, dents, rubbing, and some fading and discoloration, all consistent with age and use. The chairs all with some wear to the craquelure to the seats, and most prominently to the front corner edges to each seat frame. The seatbacks to each chair also each with a horizontal line of either fading or discoloration lengthwise across the leather, measuring approximately ¼ in. in width each and as partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The brass tacks overall with some minor surface scratches and areas of rubbing, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle use. One chair with a few minor losses to the infill to the front proper left leg, the largest loss measuring approximately 2 3/8 x 1/8 in. This same chair with a more prominent scratch to the yellow leather to the seatback measuring approximately 5 in. A second chair also with a few minor losses to the infill to the front proper left leg, the largest measuring approximately 2 7/8 x 3/16 in. The proper left edge of the central stretcher of this chair with an abrasion to the wood measuring approximately ½ x 1 ¼ in. This same chair with a more prominent area of craquelure to the seat measuring approximately 8 5/8 x 3/8 in. A third chair as well with a few minor losses to the infill to the front proper left leg, the largest measuring approximately 2 7/8 x 1/16 in. This same chair also with particular wear to the craquelure to the front proper left corner of the seat frame, the wear with a small tear to the leather measuring approximately 3/8 x 1/8 in. The proper right edge of the central stretcher of this chair with an abrasion to the wood measuring approximately 3/8 x ¾ in. A fourth chair with a more prominent instance of white paint residue to the front proper left leg, measuring approximately 3/8 x 3/8 in. A vibrant and original set
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.