During the fall of 2004 The Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia granted Fred Shindle of Collingswood Windsor ChairWorks permission to measure and photograph one of their prize possessions,” The Speaker’s Chair”.

The Speaker’s Chair is an excellent example of a Comb-back Windsor arm chair. It represents the epitome of style, grace and function associated with craftsmanship of the late Eighteenth century cabinet makers.

This Chair represents one of the most “Important” American Windsors in existence. It is one of a pair that was built in 1773 specifically for the Carpenters’ Company and was made use of in the First Continental Congresses of 1774. Peyton Randolph of Virginia was chosen President of the Congress and with out doubt occupied one or both of these chairs in the discharge of his duties. The Speaker’s Chair is an unusually high chair. Its seat is 25” off the floor (a good 8” higher than the average seat height). This added height would have lifted the presiding officer above the level of the general assembly and unmistakably afforded him the level of respect associated with his office.

In addition the “Speaker’s Chair” is remarkable in that it can be almost unquestionably dated to the year 1773 and that it has occupied the same address since it was built. It is believed that entries in the Carpenters’ Company’s records dated January 1773 that make reference to two chairs being purchased at 20 shillings each are alluding to these chairs

In gratitude for the opportunity to study, photograph and measure this most excellent piece of American history, Collingswood Windsor ChairWorks reproduced the “Speaker’s Chair” and presented it to the Carpenters’ Company at their Quarterly meeting on April 18th 2005. It is on display in the main hall where visitors are invited to sit down in a piece of history.

For more photos of The Speaker's Chair, take a look at our Photo Gallery.

"The Speaker's Chair"
Reproduced by Collingswood Windsor ChairWorks