Images(2)

Slat Back Side Chair

Period1780 - 1820

MediumMaple, and ash

Dimensions36.5 × 18.75 × 16 in. (92.7 × 47.6 × 40.6 cm)

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineMuseum Purchase in part with funds donated by Edward N. King, Jr., 2015

Object number2015.17.1

DescriptionSimple turned three slat side chair with six plain turned stretchers and simple ball finials capped by nipples. The slats have an unusual cut out arched shape. The original color appears to have been dark brown or black as remnants of the finish survive in the grain of wood. The woven rush seat is a recent replacement.
Curatorial RemarksSeveral slat back chairs of this type have turned up in old families from the Colts Neck area of Monmouth County. They are distinguished by the unusual arched shape of the slats, and the large ball finials. In all likelihood, they represent a local variant of slat back chair design by an as yet unidentified local chairmaker.NotesPurchased on 12 December 2015 from the estate of William H. Conover, Red Bank, Monmouth County. Conover was the last member of the family to be born on the Conover family farm on Conover Road in Colts Neck. The family moved to Red Bank in 1935. He resided there until his passing on 11 November 2014, at the age of 93. The Conover estate contained numerous family heirlooms brought to Red Bank from the farm, many with identifications and provenances intact. For other examples, see accession numbers 2015.17.2 and 2015.17.3.

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