A rare, early-18th century, elm, high-back, panelled settle.
10000
The top has a moulded, cornice above an elaborate frieze with dentil and greek key moulding. The back has three tiers of graduating, moulded panels. The scroll-shaped, outswept arms are supported by a delicate, column-turned section. The seat has a lid revealing a compartment. The hinges and escutcheon are original. The seat section has moulded panels on the front and on the sides. Standing on sleigh feet. Excellent original colour and patina. Second quarter of the 18th century, probably West country.
18th Century
1725
Elm
England
Settles, Dictionary of English Furniture, Fig. 10 illustrates a settle with similar decoration.
This is sophisticated piece of estate furniture, of a calibre that is rarely seen from this period. It is beautifully made with an elaborate, cornice and the high,tripple-panelled back which gives it gravitas. The panels display the fine, figuring of the elm, quarter sawn planks to full advantage. The scroll shaped arms resting on the delicately, turned supports give the lower section a soft, elegance. The carpenter has again chosen a piece of elm with exceptional graining for the seat which has a useful compartment below. The sleigh feet give the settle an elegant stance. The colour and patina have matured to an exceptional, lustrous surface.
