French Open Arm Chair

This chair is a mahogany reproduction of one of a pair of chairs in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the State Department.   Because fabric was extremely costly in the 18th century upholstered rniture was owned by only the wealthiest customers.   This design was made in Philadelphia with many variations in detail.   This chair has most of the best embellishments including cuffs on the front feet, gadrooned strip below the seat frame, carved corner braces, carved front legs and a more detailed arm knuckle.   The original dates to 1766.

Because of all the angles the joinery on this chair is more complicated than one might think.   In fact the side stretcher to back leg is the most challenging joint I have ever cut because it is angled in three dimensions.   Notice that the arms are tenoned to the back frame and the arm post is tenoned to the seat frame.   In addition the corner braces are joined with a unique imple interlocking half dovetail.   I like this chair because of its unique shape and stately design. The "open" refers to the open space formed by the arms. Upholstery by Ralph Dermota of York, PA.

Dimensions:   28 ⅛" (w) x 28 ⅛" (d) x 40 ⅝" (h) (18 ⅛" height at seat)