It was listed by Leeds Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
Leeds Antiques has dated these Mahogany Ladderback Dining Chairs to the 19th Century.
Each chair is of classic ladderback form, with a gently swept top rail above a series of shaped, wavy slats incorporating delicate pierced details, framed by slightly raked rear uprights. The design is well judged and elegant, closely informed by 18th-century Chippendale models while retaining the strength and comfort expected of later Victorian dining furniture.
The chairs are constructed from solid mahogany of good colour and tone and stand on square-section legs united by H-stretchers, giving the set a reassuringly solid and stable feel. The proportions are particularly pleasing, with a comfortable seat height and generous stance, making them well suited for regular dining use as well as more refined interior settings.
The seats are upholstered in leather which appears to have significant age and is entirely consistent with the chairs. While it is not possible to state definitively whether the leather is original to the frames, it is likely early and may date to around the turn of the 20th century. Both the upholstery structure and the leather covers are in good, usable condition, presenting with an attractive, mellowed surface and remaining entirely serviceable.
The surfaces have been sympathetically refreshed: a later, heavy polish was carefully removed using meths to avoid raising the grain, and the frames were subsequently stained and waxed, retaining as much original surface character as possible. Some traces of earlier polish remain within the grain, as expected with this method, contributing to the chairs’ warm and settled appearance.
As a set, the chairs display small but noticeable variations in the shaping and detailing of the ladder backs, typical of period workshop production rather than later factory-made uniformity. These subtle differences add individuality and character without detracting from the overall harmony of the set.
A full set of additional images is available on request.
Dimensions (approximate):
Overall height: 94.25 cm (37 1/4 in)
Overall width: 53.5 cm (21 in)
Overall depth: 52.5 cm (20 3/4 in)
Seat height: 47.5 cm (18 3/4 in)
Condition:
Good condition overall. The chairs are structurally sound and sturdy, with only minor historic repairs consistent with age and use; one chair has had the rear feet re-tipped in the past. The frames show expected signs of wear commensurate with age but no significant faults. The leather seats are structurally sound, present well, and remain fully usable.
Leeds Antiques has dated these Mahogany Ladderback Dining Chairs to the 19th Century.
Fine english antique furniture
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Leeds Antiques Profile Page
Set of 6 Late 19th-century Mahogany Chippendale Revival Ladderback Dining Chairs with Leather Seats, C.1870–1890 (Victorian)
