Sofa
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1790-1805
Measurements
38-1/2 in x 78-1/2 in x 34 in
Materials
Mahogany; ash (front rail, sides), oak (side and rear rails), cherry (front-to-back braces), white cedar (sofa back frame)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation
Accession Number
2024.4
Condition Notes
The frame is well preserved with relatively few tack holes and no alternations. Triangular corner blocks were added to the seat frame. The double tenons that attach the middle rear legs to the frame have been reinforced with dowels. The left center rear leg split and was repaired with finishing nails. It was reinstalled about 1/4-inch closer to the side and has since been restored to its correct position. Small areas of loss along the mahogany outlining of the frame have been infilled and colored to match.
The original linen and upholstery straps for the sofa back remain in place.
Evidence for use of decorative brass tacks along the edges of the frame is clear on the front seat frame and elsewhere.
New upholstery was applied using minimally intrusive techniques involving plywood backing and shaped ethafoam to mimic conventional stuffing. The brass tack have had their shanks removed and are attached to the dress fabric.
Provenance
Ex coll. Joe Kindig III (dealer)
Comments
The rectangular sofa stands on eight square tapered legs that end in spade feet in front; the rear feet are squared, taper slightly, and curve gently towards the back. The front seat rail swells forward in the middle. The sides of the sofa curve down from the crest to a point and then curve again to the front. The upholstery was originally tacked to the frame using brass-headed tacks placed next to each other, as evidenced by impressions in the wood of the frame. Strips of mahogany outline the frame of the back and the tops of the sides.
The sofa is a stylish example of Philadelphia federal work. Research to date does not indicate a likely maker.
