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  CHROME YELLOW, PAINT-DECORATED SETTEE IN AN UNUSUAL THREE-RAIL DESIGN, WITH BOLD, SHIELD-SHAPED SPINDLES, circa 1815-1840
Dimensions (inches): 31.5" tall x 75" long x 17" deep, 17" seat height, 15" seat depth
Description:
Paint-decorated settee in an exceptionally beautiful and unusual form that consists of mule ear uprights, a triple-railed back—the second of these with a shaped top edge—and partial spindles that feature a repeating ball and shield throughout. Exuberantly paint-decorated, with a chrome yellow ground, trimmed with both forest and apple green striping, there are six clusters of grapes along the upper-most rails, red and green panels along the edge of the plank seat, and floriated medallions in the center of rails below, between the front legs. The scrolled arms are supported by spindles with squashed ball, vase, and mushroom turnings at the front. The turned legs are tapered, the front with decorative, double-rings at the top and bottom. The bullnose roll on the front of the seat is curiously notched at either end.

Made circa 1815-1840, both the design and the color are indicative of northern New England, somewhere between Salem, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Chrome yellow was popular on the rocking chairs and dressing tables of this region, in particular, and is sometimes encountered on country chairs. I previously acquired and sold a country Windsor settee that came out of the basement of the library in Dover, NH, and was probably made for it circa 1780-1810, that had a carved shield of similar form and scale on its center spindle. Whatever the case may be regarding the appearance of the design here, it is both rare and visually striking.

Together the elements of style and color work exceptionally well. As someone who has specialized in paint-decorated chairs and settees for more than three decades, and has been stricken with what can only be described as an outright obsession with the latter, in particular, it is with no hesitation that I summarize by calling this one of the most delightful and memorable, high country examples of the form that I have ever encountered.

A hand-written, November, 1982 note, on the bottom of the seat, reads as follows: “This bench, a gift to me Marion W. Preston, from Mr. and Mrs. Robert La Cope. 473 Adams Ave. Glencoe – Ill. At my death I wish it to go to their daughter Mrs. Robert Wuslachich (Jeanette) 1525 Oak Knoll Court, Fairfield, Ohio, 45014 for their son, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel La Cope (Marg) 508 Burton Ave. Highland Park Ill. 60035.”

Condition: The settee is sturdy and sittable. A long split along the back of the plank seat was repaired and is extremely solid. Splits in the upright posts at either end of the back, in and around where the scrolling arms connect, were mended and are likewise strong. There are repairs to the two mule ears in the center, each of which has a sliver of wood replaced, parallel to and above the crest rails. There is a repair to a chip in the mule ear on the leftmost post. I have gone over everything carefully to ensure the settee can be used. The paint was restored in the above locations, being very mindful to do as little as possible. The paint on the plank seat and along the horizontal portion of the arms is largely absent. A previous owner made the red seat pat, which looks very good with it. There is some wear throughout from regular use.
   
Primary Color: chrome yellow, green, red
Earliest Date: 1820
Latest Date: 1830
For Sale Status: Available
Price $16,500
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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