Armchair

1790–1793

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Mahogany with oak

Overall: 39 × 23 × 25 in. (99.1 × 58.4 × 63.5 cm)

Gift of Walter R. Benjamin, 1892

INV.14967

According to the accession records, this chair was part of the furnishings of Independence Hall, though it is more likely that it is part of the furnishings of Congress Hall in Philadelphia, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800.

DescriptionMahogany Federal armchair supposedly from Independence Hall; square upholstered back with serpentine crest rail; square upholstered spring seat (springs are later addition); open upholstered arms and curved supports; molded straight front legs, raked rear legs, and side and medial stretchers; upholstered in black painted linen with brass upholstry tacks; brass plaque and paper label on back of seat.

Markingswritten: partially legible fragmentary paper label on rear; "...Independence/ Hall, Philadelphia/ formerly in the/ possession.../ ...Walter Romey (?) Benjamin." engraved: brass plaque on rear; "Chair from Independence Hall, Philadelphia. Formerly in the Possession of E.D. Ingraham. Presented by Walter R. Benjamin, May 7, 1892.

ClassificationsFURNITURE