Arm Chair
Period1740 - 1760
MediumWalnut, and hard pine or white cedar
Dimensions46.25 × 23.75 × 21.75 in. (117.5 × 60.3 × 55.2 cm)
InscribedThere are two old labels on the chair. The first reads, "[?] N. Littell." The second reads, "C. [N. or W.] Littell."
ClassificationsSeating Furniture
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Riker, 1963
Object number1991.635
DescriptionAn imposing straight-backed arm chair, it consists of an elaborately shaped crest rail and solid vase-shaped splat, with shaped arms that end in plain terminals. The squared arm supports imitate the shape of the squared cabriole legs below the deep seat rails. All four legs end in elaborate block feet which have ankle mouldings on the two outer surfaces only. The chair is made entirely of walnut, with no secondary woods. It and the slip seat frame, which is of hard pine or white cedar, are both numbered "I." The pins which hold this chair together are uniformly very small. Hand wrought nails hold the corner blocks in place. Evidence on the inside surfaces of the seat rails indicates the chair was once equipped with a chamber pot frame.Curatorial RemarksThis unusual armchair definitely reflects pre-industrial workmanship, even though at times its authenticity has been challenged. The crest rail is correct, as is the solid splat that is reminiscent of Philadelphia chairs of the 1740 to 1760 period. Evidence on the inside seat rails indicates that the armchair was once fitted with a chamber pot frame, which accounts for the depth of the rails.NotesAt the time of its acquisition in 1963, this large arm chair was thought to have been made in South Jersey, possibly Cape May County. The Littell family names on the old labels may one day help establish an area of origin for what is otherwise a unique piece of presumably New Jersey furniture. Its maker clearly set out to create an important and expensive chair for a special client.
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