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Slat Back Arm Chair

Period1760 - 1820

MediumMaple and ash

Dimensions44.2 × 24.5 × 21.5 in. (112.3 × 62.2 × 54.6 cm)

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, 1963

Object number1992.507

DescriptionA four slat arm chair with large ball finials over a turned ring on plainly turned stiles. The slats have an arched upper edge, and a straight bottom edge. Baluster turned arm supports transition into plainly turned front legs. Seven box stretchers are also very plainly dowel turned. The woven splint seat, now painted a mustard color, is very early and possibly original to the chair. Nineteenth century striping has been added over a coat of black paint. Metal L brackets strengthen the point where the arms attach to the rear posts.
Curatorial RemarksThe chair is typical of slat back arm chairs made in central New Jersey from 1760 to 1820 or later. A very plain example, it includes large ball finials over a ring turning, undercut arms, baluster turned arm supports, and slats that are arched on the top edge but straight on their bottom edge. Plainly turned rear stiles, front legs, and stretchers make this chair one of the more simply made examples of its type.NotesAccording to the Association's accession records, the chair was purchased in 1963 from the estate of Miss Eliza Arrowsmith with the following family legend, "Supposed to be the one George Washington sat & had a piece of pie in after crossing the Delaware. There is a definite link between the house the chair is from & the Arrowsmith family."

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