Fine and Rare Queen Anne Shell Carved and Figured Walnut Compass-Seat Side Chair, possibly by James James (1730-1807), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circa 1755

Elinor Gordon, Villanova, Pennsylvania;
Pook & Pook Inc., Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Period Antiques & Accessories, January 15, 2010, lot 56.

Maine Antiques Digest, Apr. 2010 , p. A10

The splat design is not a common Philadelphia variant.  A set of chairs with identical splats has recently been identified as being made by the cabinetmaker James James. The set were made for Samuel and Rebecca Morris in April 1756.  The Morris chairs have rounded stiles and ball and claw feet but their proportions and splat design is identical to the currently offered chair.  For additional information see Alexandra Alevizatos Kirtley, American Furniture 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2020), p. 60, no. 22.