• Width:
  29 3/8 Inches
• Height:
  33 1/4 Inches
• Depth:
  24 Inches
• Period:
  18th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

A handsome and rare George III-period cockfighting chair, expertly crafted of mahogany. With its high arms and thin back, the chair is constructed so that the spectator sits in the chair backwards and observes the action. Also called a reading or straddle chair, this unique piece is upholstered in the original leather, now worn to a fine patina, and is accented with round head nail borders. Cockfighting chairs are among the most rarest of all Georgian furniture. To find one is such excellent condition is truly exceptional. Cockfighting was arguably the Georgian period's most widespread sport. The pastime ranged across the social classes, and cockpits were in general a hurly-burley place where all social classes mingled amid frenzied betting and fevered matches. Though every town of any size boasted a cockpit, country gentlemen were known to hold matches in their drawing rooms. This pastime was a common enough practice to prompt furniture makers to offer chairs made especially for the sport. Circa 1775 29 3/8" wide x 24" deep x 33 1/4" high