RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF SIGNED DANIEL SPANGLER (BOTETOURT CO., VA, 1800-1896) SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA PAINT-DECORATED WINDSOR ARMCHAIRS, probably white oak and poplar, each thumb-back form with finely shaped arm rests over shaped plank seat, raised on ring-turned front legs and plain rear legs joined with box stretcher, front example turned. Signed, inscribed, and dated "Made by / Daniel Spangler / Fincastle / 1842" in black paint to underside of seats. Original black-painted surface with gold-painted highlights including stenciled element to crest rail. Reserve. Circa 1842. 34 1/4" HOA, 19" x 16 1/2" seat.
Provenance: Property of a Virginia private collector.
Catalogue Note: This fine pair of Shenandoah Valley signed, inscribed, and dated armchairs survive in a remarkable state of preservation and represents an interesting connection with the Huddles of Wythe Co., VA, the family possibly involved in the construction and/or decoration of a later group of the famous paint-decorated blanket chests of the region. Daniel Spangler was the son of Charles and Anna Spangler, the brother of Jacob and Adam Spangler, and the half brother of Mary, John, Charles, Jr., Sarah, and George. Daniel Spangler was related to John and Henry Huddle of Wythe Co., VA through his father's side of the family, but it is unknown whether he collaborated directly with the Huddles with respect to furniture making and decorating or not. Regardless, the present chairs stand on their own as fine examples of American seating furniture created in the Southern backcountry made even more desirable with bold signature, inscription, and date.
Condition
Excellent original condition with minor wear to oxidized paint-decorated surface.