A PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY HEPPLEWHITE PERIOD WHEEL BACK OPEN ARMCHAIRS, CIRCA 1785, in the manner of Robert Adams (Scottish 1728-1792), bearing the characteristic circular pierced splat enclosing palm leaves radiating from a central patera and intersected by husk trails, issuing elegantly shaped arms flanking the saddle seat, upholstered in later coral fabric and raised on shaped hindlegs and tapering square forelegs terminating in spade feet. The underside of one chair stamped "A.B." NOTE: This recognizable medallion chair back design was popularized by Robert Adams, but relates to those published in the mid-1780s by George Hepplewhite (English d.1786) in "The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide," 1788, pl. 6, and to the "New Catherine Wheel" model designed circa 1785 by Robert Gillows (English 1704-1772) of Gillows of Lancaster and London (L. Boynton, "Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800," Royston, 1995, fig. 269). A pair of wheel back chairs with comparable carving from the renowned Sir Sidney Greville collection is illustrated in R. Edwards, "The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture," London, 1964, pl. 162, p. 158. Provenance: Estate of the Late James K. Schooler, Esq. Purchased from Thorpe & Foster, Dorking, Surrey, 14 September 1982, and accompanied by original sales receipt. Height: 36" Width: 22 5/8" Depth: 20 1/2"