A handsome example of original Arts & Crafts era furniture from the Roycrofters of East Aurora, NY, circa 1906-1912. The chair is in it's beautiful original deep, rich, reddish-ebonized finish with hints of nut-brown in the slightly worn areas. The highlighted areas are complementary and enhance the three dimensional appearance of the form. The chair is pinned at the mortise and tenon joints at the seat apron and is very tight, the feet are crisp and solid with no sign of rot or water damage. There are a few very small edge nicks, less than one would expect from a 100 year old piece. The hard leather and tacks have been replaced. Signed with the carved Roycroft Orb in the center of the front apron. This rare chair is referred to by the name of the period actor, author and editor Marshall P. Wilder (1859-1915).To quote the excellent book "The Roycroft Campus" by Robert Rust & Kitty Turgeon (ISBN 0-7385-3726-8)...quote:."Wilder was known as the pre-eminent humorist in the nation at this time. He was a frequent visitor at Roycroft, where a unique chair was designed for him.....The Marshall Wilder chair is rare and highly collectible. It has Mackmurdo feet and eventually was marketed and sold as a youth chair. Wilder was the editor of the ten-volume set The Wit and Humor of America."...unquote.That is was marketed as a youth chair exhibits Elbert Hubbard's promotional skills, since the chair seat actually measures as large and even larger than many dining chairs of the period and is higher than most, measuring 21 1/2" to the seat. The depth is 16 1/4" by 17 1/2" wide at the seat and the overall height is 35 1/8" tall. While it might not be the perfect chair for reading a novel, it is unexpectedly comfortable and stands on it's own as sculpture or furniture art and would make an excellent chair for that extra dinner guest or when friends and relatives drop by to visit.It will complement any Roycroft or Stickley collection and would enhance any Bungalow interior. Packing and shipping is free in the Continental USA, via FedEx Ground. Insurance is required and is the responsibility of the buyer.