Lot #60: Set of 4 Antique American Mid-19th Century Painted & Stenciled "Fancy" Side Chairs

An attractive and historically significant matched set of four American mid-19th century Country "Fancy" side chairs. Each chair features a contoured wooden plank seat, classic "arrow back" split spindles, and a slightly raked back style supported by simple hand-turned legs and stretchers. The chairs retain their original or early barn-red/oxblood milk-paint finish featuring a charming ochre pinstripe border along the seats and lower rails. The upper crest rails display beautiful, hand-applied gold and green stenciled fruit and floral details, standard to the New England and Pennsylvania decorative vernacular of the era. Materials: Mixed American Hardwoods, Milk Paint, Metallic Bronze/Gold powdersEra: Circa 1830–1860Style: Early American Country / Hitchcock-style Fancy Chair Offered in varying surface condition, showing honest, age-appropriate wear that highlights their authentic antique pedigree. Light to moderate paint loss, rubbing, and localized flaking on the seats and frames reveal the natural wood beneath, creating a highly desirable historic patina. 1 chair with more damage - see photos. The "Fancy Chair" Era: In the first half of the 19th century, standard plain-wood furniture was replaced by affordable, brightly colored "fancy chairs". Craftsmen applied multi-layered paint, faux-graining, and stenciling to replicate high-end, expensive imported rosewood and brass-inlaid pieces. Vernacular Details: Because no factory stamp is readily visible on the reverse of the back seat rails, these chairs are classified as Hitchcock-type or New England country chairs. Dozens of regional cabinetmakers in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York quickly adopted Hitchcock's methods, ensuring this specific country-aesthetic remains an iconic hallmark of historic Americana PICKUP NOTE: Access Storage - ample parking. Do not go to the front office - Please come to loading dock ramps and see our team member with your lot numbers/ invoice. Dimensions: 33"h x 16" w x 16" d Pickup category timeslot {A}