mid 19th century, interior back rail with faint traces of stenciled signature for Bembe & Kimball, New York, crest with Federal shield flanked by carved acorns and leaves, oak leaf and acorn carved arms and arms supports, carved rosettes, carved legs with brass casters, 41 x 24 x 23 in.

Note: This chair was designed by Thomas U. Walter, architect of the Capital, and was used in Congress from 1857-1873. Chairs and desks were ordered as part of an 1857 renovation of the House overseen by Montgomery Meigs. 

Provenance: Neal Auction Co, New Orleans, Louisiana, $17,925, 16 April 2011 (accompanied by copy of receipt); John W. Stark House, Springfield, Tennessee

good overall, one front corner with areas of loss and some putty infill with later color (see detailed photos), cracks and minor repairs at joint of one rear leg to seat rails, other typical shrinkage cracks, bumps, and flaws, back in early distressed upholstery, arm pads and seat upholstery replaced and with some light wear and stains (accompanied by one original arm pad), minor veneer losses at top of side seat rails, some cracks at side scrolls and one area of loss