A GEORGE IV CARVED MAHOGANY LIBRARY CHAIR, BY ROBERT DAWS (English 19th Century), CIRCA 1825, the brass nailed red leather buttoned and raked back between padded arms and bold scroll open arms, the underside of each armrest equipped with a patented spring loaded ratchet system which operates the reclining back, over a deep rectangular seat surmounting a concealed pullout footrest, heightened on turned tapering forelegs ending in brass caps and casters, stamped six times "R. DAWS over "F" and "J" flanking "G" R" on either side of a crown above "PATENT." Height: 40 1/4" Width: 24" Depth: 33 1/2" NOTE: Robert Daws (English 19th Century), occasionally referred to as "Dawes" was an acclaimed cabinetmaker whose studio and residence were located at 17 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, London, England. In 1827 he won a patent for "Improvements on Chairs or Machines Calculated to Increase Ease and Comfort" which would go on to be used in the creation and design of his signature piece, the present chair. The then immensely popular landscape designer and interiors style commentator John Claudius Loudon (Scottish 1783-1843) gave warm mention of Daws's conception and published an illustration of its design in his "Encyclopaedia of Cottage Farm and Villa Architecture and Furniture," 1833, fig. 1913, stating, "...the position of the back of this chair can be varied at please, and the projecting part front can be elongated, or adjusted to any slope. When it is not wanted to be used as a reclining chair, the back can be fixed upright; and the front projection slid in, so as to produce the appearance of a common easy chair." (1813, London) For a closely related chair, see: Gilbert, "The Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840" Leeds, 1996, pl. 281, fig. 176. A virtually identical chair was sold by Christie's London, 10 September 2009, lot 431 for $2,481. Special thanks to Antiques Young Guns.

Structurally sound and in good condition. General wear, such as scuffs, scratches, and age cracks throughout, as well as repairs and restorations as is expected for the age of the piece. The red leather upholstery, although true to the original design, is of a later date and has a number of cracks on the seat from use. The ratchet mechanism for the seat back is in good working order, although the footrest is slightly difficult to pull out. Clearly and correctly marked by cabinetmaker. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."