Posted 12 years ago
trunk_junkie
(55 items)
Bought this antique chair from a lady in Yorba Linda yesterday. It is very old (probably 1800s), dirty and in desperate need of reupholstering.
The old springs need to be completely removed. The chair itself needs to be cleaned and then a new back and seat cushion need to be made. Love the design.
The chair, like the rocking chair I bought, is small...sits low. My friend said they used to build chairs like this because way back when people were smaller. Can't wait to get started on this one.
If anyone has a clue as to when this was made, please let me know.
UPDATE 6/26/14
I stripped this chair of all the burlap webbing, springs, etc. It was a horrible, smelly mess. That fabric sure smelled like it would be 100 years old, that's for sure. I had to wash my hands several times after doing this before I felt the smell/dirty feel was gone. The fabric literally disintergrated with just a little tug, almost like pulling apart cotton candy.
I pulled out all the tacks then scrubbed with orange cleaner made for wood. I let the cleaner soak into the wood and had to use a wire brush in areas to get the filth off of the frame.
My only question is why was this made with the back legs longer than the front legs, causing it to lean forward? Pics included.
I have one at home that looks like that. Paid 20$ for it. The lady that sold it to me said it was from 1880
The chair was built that low for a very good reason but it wasn't because people were smaller. They are commonly called a mother's chair in some parts of the country. Back then the main source of heat was from a fireplace and babies were in cradles. The cradle was near the fireplace and the chair close by. Mother would sit in the low chair to hold the baby and feed it where it was warm. Sit the chair in front of an old fireplace and cradle and you will see how easy it was to reach the baby and how comfy mom and baby would be sitting there. Yes I am that old.
As for the back legs being slightly longer, think about breast feeding a baby. The woman would lean forward. The chair sitting slightly downward in front compensated for the leaning forward position. Being a male I can't confirm that but it is what I read years ago when I collected chairs. I would put the above in the early 1900's from what little I can see of the craftsmanship.
Wow thanks for the info.