Antique chair

Hi all. I would really appreciate some feed back on an antique chair I have acquired. I usually collect toys so this is out of my comfort zone. I'm particularly interested in the cross keys engraving to find out a little more about the chair . Many thanks

 

All I can contribute is it's probably late 19th century, the form is know as curule, and it's not American. The lower back was originally upholstered, as well as the seat and forearm rests. The wood is too obscured to ID. The symbols look vaguely fraternal, or faux-royalty.

 

Do you have the big chunk that is missing from the back rest?

Would be nice to see it without all the filth!

 

The Papal coat of arms is somewhat similar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_armorial

Debora

 

Does look papal in the middle, and isn't that a bishop's crook, too? NOt quite sure where a horn and a hammer come into it.

 

Does look like a crozier and mitre.

Debora

 

Thank you Debora. Think you have hit the nail on the head here.