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Louis XV Chairs?

baldwisa
6 months ago
AI Appraisal
Description

Sitting chairs in good condition. Unsure of details as they were picked up from a neighbors home following foreclosure.

Category Home Furnishings
Distinguishing marks None
Condition Good
Date Period Unsure. Early 1900's
History In neighbors basement
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Submitted by baldwisa

Looking to find out what these old chairs are worth or any information I can get about them.  There are no visible distinguishing marks of origin or age.  From research, I was thinking Louis XV sitting chairs?

Submitted by NaidaTheCollector

Description:
This is a pair of matching Victorian-style armchairs featuring carved wood frames and upholstered backs and seats. The chairs showcase a classic Rococo Revival or Louis XV/French Provincial influence, popular from the mid-to-late 1800s into the early 1900s. The design includes:

  • Oval upholstered backs with floral needlepoint or tapestry-style fabric.
  • Carved crests featuring fruit and floral motifs, typical of the Victorian and French Revival aesthetic.
  • Cabriole legs and curved arms with padded armrests.
  • Original wood appears to be walnut or oak, with a warm patina.

Estimated Date Period:
Circa 1880–1920, based on style, construction, and upholstery type. These were likely parlor or salon chairs, meant to display elegance and taste in upper-middle-class homes.

Condition:

  • Good structural condition: Frames appear intact, and woodwork seems free of cracks or major repairs.
  • Upholstery: The fabric shows visible wear and staining, and the padding may have aged. Armrests are particularly worn. While this diminishes value slightly, it adds authentic age-related character if being kept for display.

Provenance:
Found in a neighbor’s basement after foreclosure; no labels, stamps, or maker’s marks are visible from the image, which limits precise attribution to a specific manufacturer.

Current Market Value (Retail):
For a matched pair like this in "good but unrestored" condition:

  • $300 to $600 USD (as-is) in antique or vintage furniture markets.
  • If professionally reupholstered and gently restored, the pair could bring $800 to $1,200+, depending on the quality of fabric and regional demand.

Comparable Sales:

  • Similar Rococo Revival or Victorian parlor chairs in pairs typically list from $450 to $1,200 on platforms like Chairish, 1stDibs, and high-end antique stores.
  • Auction sales in the U.S. (e.g., Skinner or LiveAuctioneers) often hammer in the $300–$700 range depending on provenance and restoration.

Authentication & Recommendations:

  • While no markings are visible, the craftsmanship is consistent with early 20th-century reproduction French or Victorian revival chairs made in the U.S. or Europe.
  • If you wish to authenticate or restore:
    • Consult a local antique furniture appraiser for an in-person evaluation.
    • Look for maker's marks under the seat, on the inner frame, or along the underside of the cushion.
    • Avoid stripping or refinishing the wood until an expert confirms whether doing so would affect historical value.

Suggested Professional Appraisal:
✔ Recommended if you are considering selling or insuring the pair, particularly if they are professionally restored or part of a larger antique collection.

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