Rare and important near pair of Philadelphia combback Windsor armchairs, ca. 1765, retaining a fine late 19th c. black surface with gilt highlighting. The slight difference in construction and size is likely due to them being made for a husband and wife. A similar chair is illustrated in Santore, Windsor Style in America. pg. 63, fig. 29. A copy of a letter from Charles Santore accompanies this lot and ends with Philadelphia combback Windsor armchairs of this quality and paint history are extremely rare. To find a pair of this quality is an extremely important occurrence. Charles Santore Dec.20th 1994. 18" (seat height) x 16" (seat depth) x 22 1/2" (seat width) and 18" x 17" x 24 1/2". Overall very good condition with expected wear and flaking to paint.