Eighteenth Century English Cock Fighting Chair

Mahogany cock fighting chair, English, circa 1750. The chair has four cabriole legs with hoof like feet.  Each leg has a carved return below the seat.  The seat has a balloon shape.  The back splays outward at the sides and has a slight set back angle.  Mounted to the top of the chair is a yoke shaped section for resting arms as one sits in a straddle position.  Below each of the top arms is a set screw, which when loosened, allows a mahogany compartment to swing forward.  Each compartment has a hinged mahogany lid.  The right compartment has three fitted sections.  The first section   houses the original glass inkwell with silver lid; the second section contains the original glass salter with silver perforated insert.  The third section is angled and probably stored pen quills.  The left compartment has a deep carved out well.  The seat, back rest and arms retain the original leather upholstery.  The bottom edge of the seat, back edge of the backrest and around the perimeter of the arm rest is the original decorative brass tack decoration. Attached to the back of the chair at the top is a hinged mahogany writing surface and attached to the back of the writing surface is a hinged mahogany frame.  The hinged mahogany frame locks into a pair of mahogany panels mounted to the lower back.  Each of these panels have three slots.  Eighteenth century cock fighting chairs are extremely rare and have a wonderful sculptural quality. (F-472)