SET OF FOUR TRANSITIONAL QUEEN ANNE SIDE CHAIRS Massachusetts, Mid-18th Century
In walnut. Crest rails with rabbit ears. Solid fiddle splats. Slip seats with gold print upholstery. Cabriole front legs end in pad feet. Turned and blocked H-stretchers. Several signed "E Stephenson" on frames and undersides of seats, believed to be the signature of owner Elizabeth Parrott Stephenson of Boston. Back heights 37". Seat heights 16.5".
Provenance:
Brimfield Antiques, Brimfield, Massachusetts. Accompanied by the original sales receipt dated 1978.
The Estate of Carl and Mary Breyer of Massachusetts.
According to accompanying research by Susan and Richard Raymond of Brimfield Antiques, Elizabeth Parrott Stephenson was the widow of Captain Reuben Stephenson, who died in 1759. Elizabeth was appointed executrix of his sizable estate, and an inventory of his property, signed by Elizabeth, exists in the Suffolk County Probate Records. Her signature is also on a document awarding her legal custody of the couple's son. A handwriting expert believes the signature on the two documents matches that on these chairs.
Many pieces from the Stephenson estate, including most of the chairs, were destroyed in the Great Fire of Boston in 1760, and were so noted on the inventory, as was the money received from the fire relief fund. It is therefore surmised Elizabeth purchased this set of chairs, circa 1760, while furnishing a home for her and her son.
Accompanied by research notes, letters and photographs.

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1. CORRECTNESS OF DESCRIPTION: Robert C. Eldred Co., Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Eldred's) has exercised reasonable care to catalog and describe correctly the property to be sold, but neither Eldred's nor its consignors warrant the correctness of description, attribution, authenticity, or condition of said property. No statements shall be deemed such a warranty or representation or an assumption of liability with respect thereto, but are to be construed as opinions only. Bidders are encouraged to personally examine all property to be sold prior to the beginning of the auction.

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COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $5/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

SHIPPING

We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Conditions of Sale. If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Our physical address is 1483 Route 6A, East Dennis, MA. Pick up of smaller items at our Mystic, CT location is also available with advance notice.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide shipping quotes until the invoice had been paid in full.
In house shipping is offered exclusively though UPS. All items are shipped with UPS insurance (max. $50,000). UPS insurance is billed at $2.70 for the first $100 and at $0.90 per hundred afterwards. Eldred's charges a minium $15 handling fee per package plus actual UPS shipping charges.
COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $5/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

ABSENTEE BIDS

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