Fan-back Side-chair

Explanation and the Precedent, Our Windsor chairs
Overall Dimensions: 28" x 23" x 38" tall
Seat Dimensions: 18" wide x 18" deep
Standard Seat Height: 17.5"
Details: crest ear, knuckle, leg

The distinguishing feature of the fan-back Windsor is its decoratively-turned "stiles," the two main uprights which form the back. The stiles angle outward on most examples, as do the spindles, forming a fan-like appearance.
The top of the back is formed with a bent crest, the ends of which are often carved in a spiral pattern known as a volute. Other carvings, such as the rosette, were occasionally used, while many were not carved at all.
Bracing spindles were often used on both the arm-chairs and side-chairs. Fan-back side-chairs were produced in great numbers in Philadelphia and New England, beginning as early as 1760. Arm-chairs were particularly common in coastal Massachusetts, including Nantucket. New England arm-chairs show strong influence from Philadelphia models, though relatively few arm-chairs were made there.

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