circa 1760-80, related to an important documented group of chairs owned by the Van Rensselaer family of New York. Finely carved dense mahogany with serpentine rocaille carved crest rail with unique down-swept ears, scrolling pierced splat with tassel carved center, slip out seat, the front seat rail with gadroon carved applied molding, deeply carved acanthus leaf knees and bold squared ball and claw feet, raking rear legs with squared feet. Inside rear seat rail marked "III". 38" high, 22 1/2" wide, 22 1/2" deep. Old encrusted, historic finish, age and use wear, evidence of once having arms added and removed. Provenance: Bulkeley Family CT. One of a group of five chairs being offered as two pair and one single chair. The group of five chairs was appraised by Leigh Keno NYC in 1990 for $125,000. A copy of the appraisal which includes detailed condition information is available for inspection by email request.