A PAIR OF GEORGE III CHIPPENDALE PERIOD MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS, POSSIBLY PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, MID 18TH CENTURY, each with a serpentine crest rail between leaf carved ears terminating tapering stiles, the trefoil and lancet pierced splat surmounting a square seat, upholstered in later plaid vinyl fabric, raised on square supports joined by an "H" form stretcher. NOTE: This pristine and crisply executed pair of chairs embody the bold rococo carving and superb proportions of the Chippendale period in Philadelphia. The influence of Thomas Chippendale's (English 1718-1779) published designs are seen in the gothic style pierced splat, such as plate XIII of "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director," 1763. Thomas Tufft (American 1740-1788) and James Gillingham (American 1736-1781) are two of many Philadelphian furniture makers commonly associated with and given credit for this and other closely related chair back designs. Adoption of the straight leg was typical of Chippendale's later forms (W. Nutting, "Furniture Treasury," 1977, v. I & II unabridged, fig. 2275-6). Provenance: Estate of the Late James K. Schooler, Esq. Purchased from Thorpe & Foster, Dorking, Surrey, 6 April 1982, and accompanied by original sales receipt. Height: 37 1/2" Width: 22 1/2" Depth: 20 1/2"