Chair

Object Name:

Chair

Object ID:

1965.508

Place of Origin:

probably New England

Date:

1660-1700

Description:

Arm Chair. According to family tradition, belonged to Christian Dolloff (1639-1708) of Exeter, NH. Turned arm chair of "Carver" type, with two horizontal rails, closely spaced, framed between stiles at top of back; upper rail more elaborately turned with baluster, ring and flattened ball elements; three vertical spindles extending between lower top rail and third horizontal rail six inches above seat; the two lower rails are cylindrical, terminating in ball turnings and encircled by paired grooves at intersections with spindles; spindles have baluster, flattened ball and ring elements and tapered ends; turned stiles with bulbous and ring elements above juncture with arms; cylindrical section below continuous with back legs; flattened ball finials. Turned cylindrical front legs each with a single bulbous turning, extend 12 inches above front seat rail and 1 inch above juncture with plain cylindrical arms. Four main vertical members encircled at intervals with scribed lines indicating intersection with other chair components. Each ball, baluster and bulbous element in chair is encircled by a single decorative groove. Seat of woven rawhide strips. Seven cylindrical stretchers--two at front having encircling groove at center and a ring turning near each end; two at each side and one at back, all plain and cylindrical. Red paint, much worn. Four main vertical members probably oak. Horizontal rails of back are maple, as are central and left spindle. All other elements of ash. Several members of chair are whittled rather than turned and are probably replacements; these include the two maple spindles, the seat rails, arms and stretchers on right and back sides. Seat early but not original; it probably was at time of reseating that chair was fitted with new parts. Legs worn down at base, almost to stretchers. Tops of front posts probably once had rounded handholds. Finials of back posts may originally have had two or three tiers. Several junctures reinforced with nails; other loose. Large piece broken from back of front right post. Several breaks in woven seat.

Material:

Wood
Leather

Dimensions:

H-36.75 W-22.5 D-19 inches

Provenance:

Said to have belonged to Christian Dolloff (1639-1708) of Exeter, NH. Seems to have been acquired from the estate of Emma Perkins Dolloff Edgerly (Mrs. John W. Edgerly), who died in 1928. Christian Dolloff is said to have come from Russia or Holland, according to unconfirmed and conflicting family traditions, but he appears to have settled in Exeter, NH.

Family tradition has it that Christian brought this chair with him, from Russia, prior to 1667 (when he purchased land in Exeter). In 1777, Christian's great grandson Samuel Dolloff carried the chair to New Hampton, NH.

Credit Line:

Gift of Emma Perkins Dolloff Edgerly

People:

Dolloff, Christian (c. 1693-1708), Edgerly, Emma (1845-1928)