Ladies in Bonnet back rocker

This chair came into our Antique shop for consignment, and we have no idea of it's origin or how to identify and value of. It is very dark wood but could have been stained, seems to be oak. What's unique is that it has 2 ladies in bonnets on each side of the back, and holes in the wooden seat, the ladies are of something other than wood, when I press on them it does give a little but not much. It seems very old and is quite beautiful. Would appreciate any info on how to identify.