Object Description
An extremely well-drawn 19th-century Victorian walnut deep buttoned leather upholstered chesterfield stamped by the famous makers James Jas Shoolbred and Co London.
Along with Howard and Sons Jas Shoolbred are two of the most sought-after names in 19th-century Victorian upholstery furniture. This leather chesterfield is fully stamped with the serial number to the inside back right leg and with the castors being stamped Shoolbred London. It is very rare to find such a wonderful chesterfield by such a good maker.
Having a shaped breakfront edge and scrolling arms this fine chesterfield has been upholstered in a very good quality deep buttoned hand-dyed leather hyde. Dating to circa 1880 the back has a shaped sprung scrolled edge and a buttoned sprung seat making this chesterfield extremely comfortable when seated as one would expect.
The ring turned front legs being made of solid walnut retaining their original brass castors stamped Shoolbred London and the rear splay legs again being of walnut retaining their original stamped castors with the right leg being stamped with a serial number.
A superb quality chesterfield having the sought after shaped front and scrolled arms by one of the best / famous cabinet and upholstery makers of their day.
A very desirable Victorian leather chesterfield to any private individual with a discerning eye or collector alike.
James Shoolbred & Co or also known as Jas Shoolbred was established in the 1820’s as a draper’s shop, in Tottenham Court Road, London.
The company first began supplying textiles to the furniture trade. By the 1860’s, the company began designing, manufacturing and selling its own high-quality furniture in their thriving and fashionable furniture shop.
In the 1880’s, Jas Shoolbred had expanded to such an extent that the business had to move to larger premises, becoming one of the first large department stores in London, who would supply quality antique furniture and accessories for the Victorian home.
The furniture was displayed in a series of catalogues that the company produced every year with their new and impressive designs. James Shoolbred’s furniture was always displayed and photographed alongside the textiles, carpets and other accessories that the company sold, creating an example interior design for customers to view.
Jas Shoolbred was granted a Royal warrant by the mid-1880s and their Victorian furniture was of the best quality available of the late Victorian period.
For reference, a very similar Shoolbred chesterfield was offered at Bonhams Knightsbridge on 10th February 2016 The Gentlemen’s Library Sale lot 437 which realised £11,250
Dimensions:
Width: 81 ¾ inches – 207.5cm
Height: 26 ¾ inches – 65cm
Depth: 35 ½ inches – 90cm
Seat Height 15 inches – 38cm