The William IV patent mahogany library armchair with pull-out foot rest that sold for £7000 at Sworders.
The reclining action is activated by a button on the arm and comfort is guaranteed by a pull-out foot rest. The chair's quality and flamboyant design, dating it to around 1830, would indicate a specific maker, although surprisingly there does not appear to be a stamp or label.
Further research may well lead to an attribution.
Although in outwardly poor condition - it had resided for some time in the cellar of a local manor house - the chair was wholly original and complete. It required restoration to the leather upholstery, a missing castor and a break to a back leg which had a Victorian repair.
Estimated at £1000-1500, it was competed by eight telephone lines before it sold to the trade at £7000 (plus 20 per cent buyer's premium).
