Christie's sale of Important American Furniture has seen outstanding bids for a Queen Anne "Reifsnyder" side chair.
 The Reifsnyder design has been revered by collectors since a landmark sale in 1929 |
The chair sold for $579,750 in the September 25 auction in New York, making a 93.2% increase on its $300,000 high estimate.
The design is an icon of American artistry, and has been celebrated by collectors since 1929, when three virtually identical pieces were sold in the landmark auction of Colonial Furniture: The Superb Collection of the Late Howard Reifsnyder. Since then, chairs of this design have been known as "Reifsnyder" chairs.
Produced in Philadelphia circa 1750, the carving work is thought to have been completed by either Samuel Harding (d. 1758) or Nicholas Bernard (d. 1789), both very accomplished cabinetmakers.
 The bookcase is described by Christie's as 'epitomising the sophistication and refinement of Federal-era America' |
Achieving an 89.2% increase on its $300,000 high estimate was a federal mahogany desk and bookcase, which realised $567,750.
Believed to have been produced in Baltimore between 1800 and 1810, the bookcase was consigned from the collection of the Westervelt Company - a major US paper production organisation - which was compiled by Jack Westervelt Warner, the former chief executive officer, over four decades.
 Chippendale is perhaps the most famous furniture maker of all-time, and any of his works can expect to sell well at auction |
The sale saw generally strong results, with a Chippendale-carved mahogany turret-top card table, produced in New York circa 1750-1765, selling for $423,750 - a 69.5% increase on its $250,000 high estimate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering a stunning range of fine English furniture for sale, including pieces from some of the nation's most renowned makers.
