probably British, circa 1810, comprising nine period chairs, together with a modern armchair made to match, each with inlaid tablet over pierced and scalloped slats, reeded and turned front legs, mahogany rails, 35 x 22 x 20 in.; Provenance: James Craig, Raleigh, North Carolina, purchased August 1968 for $4,500 (accompanied by original receipt); The Estate of William N. Banks, Jr., Newnan, Georgia

These chairs are well used and loved from William Banks' many memorable dinner parties. There are several breaks and repairs to the legs, some minor breaks and cracks at the backs, other minor veneer losses, surface wear and water spots, and stains and wear to upholstery. The receipt notes that at the time of purchase, the joints were tightened and there is some glue evidence of this along with later seat blocking. The period armchair has breaks and repairs at joints of arms to rear stiles, with some associated breaks and losses at central slat, and some repairs at attachments of arm supports to side rails. The modern armchair is finished in brown paint and lacking inlay on tablet.