1890's Victorian Swivel Adjustable Height Oak Piano Stool with Glass Ball Feet

Item Description:

This is an authentic late 19th-century Victorian piano stool, commonly dated to the 1880s–1890s, crafted from oak wood and featuring cast iron claw feet gripping clear glass balls (a popular Eastlake-style element). The seat swivels and is height-adjustable via a threaded metal shaft, which is fully intact and operational.

Notable Features:

• Seat Diameter: 14 inches (36 cm)
• Construction: Solid oak, turned legs, metal claw feet with intact glass balls
• Finish: Original, but heavily worn and naturally aged with original varnish
• Condition: Structurally solid with finish wear and natural patina consistent with age; the wear enhances its antique appeal

Historical Context:

This stool represents a period when parlor instruments like pianos were central to family life, especially during the Victorian era. Your provenance—a direct family link dating back to covered wagon migration and early Kansas settlement—is highly valuable in establishing authenticity and sentimental heritage. The use of glass ball feet started around the 1870s and remained popular through the 1910s.

Valuation Estimate (as of 2025):

• Low Market Estimate: $100–$125 (as-is, in areas with lower demand)
• Mid Market Estimate: $150–$200 (average market value for unrestored examples)
• High Market Estimate: $250–$300 (in areas with strong demand or with partial restoration)

Restored stools with refinished wood and polished glass balls can sell for $300–$400+ on specialized antique furniture platforms or auctions.

Recommendations:

• Do not over-restore. Retaining original hardware, finish, and wear is important to collectors.
• Preserve provenance. Document the oral history and lineage (e.g., names, locations, dates) for added resale or heirloom value.
• Professional Appraisal? Only necessary if you're insuring a larger antique collection or selling through an auction house.

Do the bubbles within 3 of the 4 glass ball feet increase the value as it does in other glass items.?

Good question — let’s break it down carefully:

For your glass ball feet like the ones on your Victorian piano stool, bubbles inside the glass can have different effects on value, depending on context:

Type of Item

Effect of Bubbles

Notes

Fine antique glassware (e.g., early 1800s free-blown bottles, early art glass)

Increases value

Bubbles show authentic hand-blown craftsmanship; highly desirable

Mass-produced glass (post-1920s or utility pieces)

Neutral or mildly negative

Bubbles are seen as imperfections unless rare/artisan piece

Handcrafted antique furniture components (like your glass ball feet)

Neutral or slight positive

Small bubbles are expected in antique pressed glass; they add authenticity

Specific to Your Item:

• Victorian Glass Ball Feet (on stool):
  • Small air bubbles are normal for late 1800s pressed glass.
  • Collectors of antique furniture expect to see some bubbles — they usually do not decrease value.
  • In fact, if there were no bubbles at all, it might make someone suspect modern replacement balls instead of originals!

Summary:

For your stool feet, the presence of bubbles is either neutral or slightly positive for value.
It gives your piece more historical credibility and artistic charm.