EXCEPTIONAL & RARE PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY EBONIZED ROSEWOOD FAUTEUIL A LA REINE ARMCHAIRS IN SATIN GOLD SILK BROCADE DAMASK UPHOLSTERY

With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering the finest pair of antique French chairs that we have had the privilege of owning in recent years. These armchairs are designated by their open form as fauteuils or more specifically as fauteuil a la reine after the original Louis XIV period design which came into fashion in the early years of the 18th century. We have conservatively dated this pair of chairs to the first half of the 19th century however are leaving open the possibility that the chairs could be a product of an earlier period. The only conclusive way to date the chairs properly would be to disturb the impeccable upholstery work to examine the chair frame, support blocks, and search for an impressed signature which if present would elevate these chairs to some of the finest examples in the entire global antiques marketplace. Typically chairs of this form were made of basswood or a lesser quality wood native to Europe which could be carved masterfully with relative ease compared to a denser wood and then the frames would be gilded, painted, or otherwise embellished. Many fauteuils are constructed with fruitwood or walnut as the primary wood when the chairmaker chose to leave the surface of the wood without any surface embellishment beyond a traditional finish. These chairs are constructed with solid rosewood which has remained throughout the centuries as one of the rarest and most exotic woods utilized in all of furniture making. Each solid rosewood frame was subsequently ebonized in the finishing process and throughout the centuries have oxidized beautifully giving each chair a spectacular patina that only time can create.

Each chair is masterfully carved and molded providing the highest degree of comfort one can possibly expect from an antique arm chair. The chairs are very sturdy and will provide the next owners with generations of continued use provided they are treated respectfully with regard to their historical nature. The crests of each chair are lavishly carved and feature tapering bellflower motifs which are also present along the cabriole legs. It is easy to miss certain details of the chair frames given that the upholstery is of the absolute highest quality one could possibly expect to find in today's design market. Each chair features gold silk brocaded satin fabric with damask pattern designs. We surmise that the upholstery work was done sometime in the last generation of ownership as the fabric is in pristine condition free of any considerations or defects whatsoever. We know from personal experience how cost prohibitive this sort of upholstery work is, and we were fortunate to purchase these chairs after the work had already been completed. We suspect that the upholstery costs exceeded what we are presently marketing the chairs for. 

As for present value, we firmly believe that these chairs in a more exclusive setting would exceed $10,000. We state this because we have throughout decades of continued business operations sold chairs of comparatively lesser quality through design practices and regional antique auction houses for in excess of that figure. As time has gone on, we have pulled away from third party transactions as we prefer to build our practice through direct contact with our clients versus helping to build up the client base of another business. This practice allows us to offer premium antiques and artwork below market value so that we attract more clients since each prospective buyer realizes a greater cost savings. With buyer's premiums exceeding 30% in some markets it makes our platform far more appealing to discerning collectors. We do realize there are many who enjoy the thrill of purchasing at auction as prices escalate over market value just to feel that they have "won" something when in reality the real winners are the auction houses and consignors such as ourselves who use these third party services strategically. We also realize that the fixed priced format does not have the same exciting dynamic as a traditional auction however we are attempting to appeal to the most astute collectors out there and not those with cash to burn who could easily find themselves paying $13,000 for these same chairs once the buyer's premium is considered.

WELCOME

We are a wholly owned family business in our third decade of continuous operation. We have a large inventory of fine antiques ranging from Early American, Federal, Chippendale, Empire, Centennial, Victorian, 20th Century custom mahogany, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern antique furniture along with decorative arts from across the globe. All the items we offer to the general public are high quality estate pieces. We do not offer goods with significant flaws or defects. We completely avoid items with issues. You can expect the items we sell to have reasonable wear and tear. Due to the large volume of goods we deal in we cannot describe items in minutia. We do our best to give you an accurate condition report in our description of the items. We have expert woodworkers and re-finishers on staff to service any piece of furniture we offer. We represent all merchandise in absolute good faith and to the very best of our ability. Please ask all questions, including, but not limited to, shipping costs prior to purchase. All items are sold as is and from their location. If you would like to find out about any number of our services, including appraisals and restoration, please ask us about our website for more information. 

SHIPPING & DELIVERIES

     We deliver within a 250 mile range of zip code 01105 for a low cost flat rate. We specialize in New York City and Boston deliveries at extremely reasonable rates. For items requiring shipping beyond our delivery zone, we offer freight or “Ground Services” shipping, depending on the size of the items. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States. Items will require packaging and palletizing for freight shipments. The buyer is responsible for the cost of materials only for this service. We perform this service without the cost of labor as an appreciation for your patronage. Freight class shipping is the fastest and most cost effective method of shipping large items. We can reach anywhere in America with a large shipment within 7-10 business days. We buy materials in bulk to save you excessive costs. The materials required for proper crating of items for their safe transit is so specialized we may need up to 7-10 business days to make sure we get absolutely what is required & do the best job possible. We go the extra mile by designing premium customized furniture crates for the ultimate protection of your purchase. We ship from our facility with a loading dock on a major trucking artery. This and our “volume shippers” discount creates a substantial lower cost for you. The least expensive method of shipping is business to business with loading docks. Next is a business without a dock and the last option is shipping to a resident. We are sending your shipments with freight carriers. They are not furniture movers who bring the items into your home. You are provided with curbside delivery of your shipments. We can get you special services in certain cases, but you are responsible for telling us you require them and for the extra cost of these services, if you instruct our shippers to provide services beyond curbside deliveries. We are responsible for any additional services and charged for these services. We absolutely maintain our right to collect the costs of these charges for services we did not authorize or were prepaid for. 

MERCHANDISE PICK UP AND STORAGE

All our customers are welcome to come to our facility to pick up their purchases free of charge. You can expect friendly help in loading your purchase in your vehicle. We ask that you come ready to transport your purchase by having ample pads or blankets to protect your item in transit. We don’t like to send nice people off with things tied to roof racks. We also do not desire to charge storage fees, but we are holding some purchases for over three years now and are under no contract to. We are not a storage facility. We are happy to hold your items for a reasonable pre-agreed upon period. Beyond or absent any specified contract a $50.00 dollar per week storage fee will apply.

ON-LINE SALES/TERMS OF USE

All Massachusetts residents are subject to the 6.25% sales tax unless you possess a valid resale number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We do not accept returns so please, ask all questions prior to submitting an offer or purchasing. We have a zero tolerance policy for non-paying buyers. Any offer we accept is a binding sale and subject to the conditions herein. Massachusetts General Law applies to all sales. Bidding on and purchasing any item is under the acknowledgment of the buyer and is consent to the contractual agreement set forth herein. This agreement is in full force and effect on any item purchased through our Ebay store and on items purchased through us and our gallery. We strive to make your on-line buying experience as easy and pleasant as possible. We accept all major credit cards and are delighted to answer any questions that you may have or provide services you may need.