Posted 11 years ago
AngieAntiq…
(1 item)
I purchased this chair from a couple that I clean their house. It was sitting in their front room collecting dust. He said he really didn't know anything about the chair but thought it may be called a nursing chair? He had it in his possession for about ten years but has never tried to research it. I have looked all over the internet and cant find it either. It has no distinguishing marks. I am new to collecting antique and vintage items. But I find it all very interesting and want to learn as much as I can. If any one can help me identify this chair or have any info on it I would be greatly appreciative. Also, should they be refinished or left as is? I have heard different advice on this and am lost...HELP Please :)
Hi AngieAntiq...welcome to CW! I hope that we are able to help you learn about your chair. By first glance I can tell you that he was correct this is a nursing chair. What I am trying to see is whether or not is was originally a rocker. This is one clue to determining the age. With old chairs like these, you are not going to find a distingusing mark, "made by so and so, a certain year, etc." What you should look closely for is a patent number. Look on the bottom part of the legs very closely with a flashlight, and look all over.
This is a lovely chair and it looks to be in decent condition. Some other things I have noticed. It looks like this chair was originally canned. Please see this this link to one of my caned chairs.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/assets/stories/gos190pRnT73D6y0Fqmc7w.jpg
I know this because I can see the drilled holes on the bottom of your seat, looks like someone reupholstered this along the way. construction of this chair is very very similar to mine, mine is dated circa 1850.
What I can use to help me is some closeup shots of the joints and the turnings. I have to chase my two year old around this house. Hope to hear back from you so that I can help you further. Take care!
Thank you for your reply and yes it does look very similar to yours. I was wanting to refinish it back to original. Is that a good idea? Some have told me to not refinish it because it wont be worth as much....but I cant see where it would hurt since its not in its original state as it is. You were right about the seat and back not being original. You can see where the piece of metal has been nailed down and material put over top of it. I would honestly have no clue where to start to refinish or re-cane this chair. My brother is an upholsterer was kinda hoping that that was the original lol.... I will send pictures of the joints and turnings. Thanks again for your help.
I have the same chair. My dad said he remembered his mom ssitting in it when he was a child. He would have been 98 this yr. It has to be around 100 yrs old. I just had the seast recaned. It was around $300 but worth it.