United States House of Representatives Carved Oak Armchair, designed by Capitol architect Thomas Ustick Walter and crafted for the 1857 House of Representatives remodeling project, the back centered by a carved shield beneath a trio of stars, and flanked by laurel and oak leaves, the stiles and brackets with foliate carving, the seat rail guilloche-carved, raised on lotus-carved turned legs, retaining its summer seat frame, originally fitted with caning and not with leather, the chairback also upholstered in old tufted leather, old surface throughout, h. 40-3/8". One of 262 chairs designed by Thomas Ustick Walter for the 1857 remodeling of the House Chamber, the production of the chairs was executed by several firms. The chairs remained in service until an 1873 remodeling, at which time they were either given to the Representatives or sold. Noted photographer Mathew Brady used a chair from this group as a prop in his studio, and captured countless famous personages, including Civil War heroes and five presidents in his chair. An image of Abraham Lincoln in the chair suggests that at least one of these chairs made it out of the possession of the House Chamber prior to the 1873 disbursement.

In good "as found" condition, retaining an old surface with normal shrinkage, abrasions and wear consistent with age and use, most notably abrasions to the carving at the top and bottom of the seat rail, the end of one arm, and the tip of an acorn on the back side of the crest. No visible breaks or repairs to the legs. Casters appear to be original. The summer seat was originally fitted with cane; wood added on the underside to accommodate upholstery (it appears to be readily reversible). Tight and useable condition.