Summer 2017

The side chair (Fig. 3) is perhaps the stateliest example of the known fish-tail crest examples. It is the most formal rendition of this locally popular vernacular type, usually seen in more rudimentary expressions, and exhibits a well-designed formula and vigorous components not often seen in the general type. Its turnings are well articulated and boldly conceived, clearly produced by a seasoned master chairmaker. One would perhaps expect to see a carved crest rail on such a finely turned chair, but the fish-tail crest, more common on much simpler chairs, nevertheless serves as a fitting top for this elegant example. Other features, both turned and molded, also indicate its local production. The ogee-molded stay rail, across the base of the back, shares a commonality with other turned furniture from the area, being related to the molded stretchers on a group of splayed-base tables and to the stay rails and side stretchers on a group of chairs in the Queen Anne style with Spanish feet. The turnings on the front legs also bear similarities to related details on these tables and Queen Anne chairs. The double-ball side stretchers here can also be found on other, more formal banister-back chairs attributed to this area. A different interpretation of this locally popular form is seen in the extraordinary ambrotype (Fig. 3a) of a young Civil War soldier resting his left hand on a chair with this distinctive design. Fig. 3a: Ambrotype of Civil War soldier, ca. 1860s, with chair featuring a fish-tail crest, found in the Kittery, Maine, area. Private collection. Fig. 3: Banister-back side chair with fish-tail crest. Portsmouth area, 1740–1790. Maple. H. 43½, W. 19¼, D. 15¼ in. Private collection. Photo by Ralph Morang. Summer 126 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com