18th Century Antique William & Mary Period Yoke Back Chair with Splint Seat

Bay Colony Antiques is pleased to offer for sale this wonderful 18th century Antique New England William & Mary period side chair. This is an early chair crafted around the mid-1700s. The chair represents an important piece of early American furniture during a time when chairs were still considered a luxury item. For much of the colonial period, seating was limited primarily to stools or simple benches, as chairs, particularly those crafted with intricate joinery and decorative elements, were not common in most households. The William & Mary style, popular during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, reflects the influence of both English and Dutch design elements, combining classical forms with emerging American colonial craftsmanship. This was a time when the art of furniture making was beginning to evolve, with craftsmen increasingly employing sophisticated techniques into their craft. These methods required both skill and access to specialized hand tools, making each piece of furniture a valuable commodity. New England was experiencing significant social and economic growth, particularly as colonial settlers established thriving towns and trade networks. Furniture making, while still in its early stages of development, began to reflect both European influences and a growing sense of local identity. The William & Mary style, with its refined proportions and attention to detail, signaled a shift toward more sophisticated craftsmanship in the colonies.

This particular chair features a graceful yoke-shaped crest rail, a three-slat back, and elegant turnings on the rear stiles. There’s a subtle crook to one of the stiles which likely developed shortly after the chair was made. The original scribe marks can also still be seen aligned to the lower horizontal rail of the back. We especially love the turning patterns of the front legs, most notably the conical elements before the legs join the seat box. Each element is secured with peg joinery and the presence of 6 stretchers ensure the chair is nice and sturdy. The splint seat appears to be original, and given that it is 250+ years old, we’re pleased it has been preserved rather than replaced, maintaining the chair’s original integrity and splendor. The seat was able to hold my weight at close to 200 pounds but due to its age and delicate condition, we’d recommend using it as more of a decorative piece over every day seating. The chair measures 19 1/2” wide x 14” deep x 40 1/4 tall with a 17” seat height.