attributed to Ephraim Hanies, Philadelphia, circa 1805, each with reeded crest and arms, backs with reeded and leaf carved splats, on leaf and rosette carved reeded legs with turned feet, blue upholstered slip seats, old possibly original surface, 33-1/2 x 21-1/4 x 17 in., seat height 17-3/4 in. - Note: Surviving in a very fine state of preservation, this set of armchairs is an extremely rare survivor from Federal period Philadelphia and is the only set of Federal Armchairs known to exist. The attribution to Haines is based in part on the close relationship between these chairs and an ebony armchair made by Haines in 1807 for Stephen Girard of Philadelphia. Two of the armchairs are illustrated in Salem Interiors by Samuel Chamberlain, p. 133-134. - Provenance: Descended in the Saltonstall Family of Salem, Massachusetts and were among the furnishing s of Sanders-Saltonstall House of Salem; Ex-Collection Ellen B. Laight; Ex-Collection F.W. Welch; Offered Sotheby's, New York, 1999, estimate $125,000-$175,000; Property from the Collection of Dudley and Constance Godfrey surviving in a fine state of preservation with old surface and excellent structural integrity, slip seats replaced, seat frames with extensive tacking scars and chips at inside edges (likely originally caned), possible patch and repair at top of one rear stile, surface wear and abrasions consistent with age and use, especially at arms and legs, fine, crisp carving, later seat blocking, modern upholstery with light stains and mildew, some minor finish variation, possible break and repair to one arm at rear stile, three chairs with feet extended approximately two inches