COMB-BACK WINDSORS

Known for its sturdy yet elegant spindle construction, the Windsor chair was the 18th century’s all-around utility chair, moving easily from room to room or even outdoors for impromptu garden seating. The design is a simple one: a shaped seat is supported by turned legs with a spindled back, held in place either by a medial stretcher and headboard, or a slender continuous bow. Variations included the bowback, fanback, sackback, and many more. Among the most desirable is the comb-back Windsor, with its high back resembling an old-fashioned hair comb. Made by fifth-generation master craftsman Douglas P. Dimes, the Queen Anne Comb-back is based on an exceptionally rare American Windsor made in Philadelphia about 1780.

The cabriole legs give it a bold, upright appearance. Other fine details include the rolled backrest, the turned medial stretcher, and the Pennsylvania blunt-arrow turned legs. D.R. Dimes, (603) 905-9048,