Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session II | October 22, 2025
Wed, Oct 22, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Live Auction
Lot 533
Very Fine and Rare Pair of William and Mary Leatherback Crook'd Back Chairs
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Sold for
$20,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Boston, 1725-1730, both in fine early surface and retaining original leather upholstery and under upholstery, 45-1/2 x 18-1/2 x 15 in.
Provenance: This rare pair of chairs has a remarkable history, the pair had been separated and were reunited in 1995; one chair descended in the Merriam Family from Joseph Merriam (1726-1800) of Concord, Massachusetts, and then sold at Skinner's, November 7, 1995 for $26,300; the other chair was purchased by Donald Webster, head of Sloan's Auction in around 1975. It was sold at Sloan's in September 1995 to Sumpter Priddy, who sold it in October of the same year; Tonnesen Collection, New Hampshire
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
This rare pair of chairs has a remarkable history, the pair had been separated and were reunited in 1995; one chair descended in the Merriam Family from Joseph Merriam (1726-1800) of Concord, Massachusetts, and then sold at Skinner's, November 7, 1995 for $26,300; the other chair was purchased by Donald Webster, head of Sloan's Auction in around 1975. It was sold at Sloan's in September 1995 to Sumpter Priddy, who sold it in October of the same year; Tonnesen Collection, New Hampshire
both chairs in remarkably intact condition, the Skinner example with original leather and seagrass seat, original leather back, likely original surface, lacking small toe laminations, leather back panel likely consolidated and reset with possibly later linen backing； the other example with large patch at left side of leather seat, minor repairs at joint of crest to rear stiles, leather back panel possibly reset (conserved by Roger Gonzales). Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
