John Keith Russell

The slat-back chair is perhaps the most recognizable Shaker object. In the mid-nineteenth century, chair production became an important industry of the Mount Lebanon Shaker community and, soon after, the chairs were so desirable that several external manufactures began to market “Shaker” copies. As a result, in 1874, the Shakers printed a warning in their catalogs stating: “beware of imitation chairs which are sold for our make.” The following year, they developed a trademark decal stamped in gold leaf to certify each chair. ¶ Rendered in figured Birdseye maple, it is surmised that this #7 Side Chair was a special commission from the Mount Lebanon chair factory. It retains its Shaker trademark decal on the reverse of the lower back slat. In an excellent state of preservation with original stain and varnish surface and replaced rush seat in the style of the original. Seat height is 16-inches.