Lot 785: A Late Victorian Elm and Beech Smoker's Bow Captain's Chair
This smoker’s bow or captain’s chair is a classic example of English vernacular furniture, dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian period. The chair is constructed with a thick, solid saddle-shaped seat made of figured elm, showcasing a prominent wide-sweeping grain. The back rail, spindles, and legs are made from turned beech or ash. The design features a curved, horseshoe-shaped top rail supported by a shaped central splat and six bobbin-turned spindles. It is built using traditional stick construction, where the turned legs are socketed into the underside of the seat, with circular through-tenons visible on the seat surface. The legs are braced by turned stretchers. A small modern yellow adhesive inventory label printed with SXL is attached to the top rail. No original manufacturer marks or stamps are visible on the piece.
Condition report:
The chair is in fair to good antique condition with a warm, well-developed patina. Visible surface wear is consistent with age and domestic use, including various scuffs, scratches, and small indentations. There appears to be some minor historic separation and small splits at the joints of the back rail, typical for furniture of this age and construction.
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