Side Chairs (2)

Side Chairs (2)

These two side chairs are Chippendale and circa 1770. The origin of these two mahogany side chairs is difficult to place. The presence of white pine for an original corner block would, for the period of these chairs, place them on the coast. With the use of the various books on chairs of this type, they could be attributed to Pennsylvania. One Chair with "VIII" on the inside back rail has a replaced splat. The other chair with "VII" on the inside back rail has a repaired (or replaced) splat, new glue blocks and a repaired crest rail. The chairs have a stretcher base and a slip seat. The crestrail is oxbow. These "Alexander Chairs" were in the original inventory. They were purchased in New Bern, NC by John McKnitt Alexander in 1774 and given as a wedding present to his daughter, Peggy, when she married Frances Alexander Ramsey on April 7, 1789. When FA Ramsey's will was settled, these chairs were sold to Elizabeth Jane Naomi Baine Alexander Ramsey, who married James Scott. On May 6, 1961, Miss Edith Scott, granddaughter of Elizabeth Jane Naomi Baine Alexander Ramsey Scott, presented the chairs to Ramsey House.

RC-3 (A,B)

Parlor 11/1987

Gift from Miss Edith Scott

H 38 1/4" W 21" D 17 1/2" seat height 17"