Halsey Munson Americana

204 North Summit Avenue

Decatur, Illinois  62522

Phone:  217-972-4645

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18th C. Banisterback Chair

with Fishtail Crest

Ca. 1725-1750 Massachusetts side chair in crazed 19th C. oyster paint with mustard decoration over the original red. Banister back chairs were produced in the early-to-mid 18th C. north of Boston and are generally attributed to Essex County, the northernmost Massachusetts county, which lies on New Hampshire’s southern border where some of these chairs were probably also made. This chair differs from standard Essex County design first in the number of banisters. Typically, banisterbacks have an even number of banisters, either four or occasionally six, because these verticals were turned in the round, then separated into halves. Second, this chair has blocked front seat corners instead of simple vertical stiles. Structurally untouched with no visible repairs or replacements. The center banister has an old stable crack. About 43½” overall height; 15¾” seat height.

$950