Rocking chair circa 1814

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J

Posted by jtdiamond09

3 years ago

AI Appraisal

💬 6 Comments 🗣️ Discuss with Community

Description

Simple wood rocking chair with "1814" carved into the underside of the seat (see pictures). One of the railings is broken where it connects to the back of the seat (see picture) but is otherwise in fair to good condition.

Category American Furniture

Medium Hardwood - species not known

Distinguishing marks Carved "1814" on bottom of chair

Condition Fair

Size and dimensions of this item Floor to top of back 37", floor to seat front 16" (people were obviously smaller back then!), seat depth 16", seat width 17", rocker length 29"

Date Period 1814

Weight under 10 pounds

History Chair was part of furnishings found in my grandfathers house in Newtown, CT where he lived from approximately the 1940's to 1960s. The house, built in the 18th century was located near a "Bradley chair factory" which operated during the early 19th century (https://www.newtownbee.com/04252008/the-people-and-stories-behind-newtowns-road-names-part-3/). I have no evidence or documentation that the chair came from that factory, but would not be surprised if there was a connection. There is a chalk marking on the bottom that appears to be "$27.00". Not sure if or when the chair was bought or sold for that price, if at all.

Price Paid (If known) N/A

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Empire Revival Rocker

Your Rocker is actually an Empire revival piece made during the last quarter of the 19th Century (1875-1900). These were mass produced all over the Eastern USA, the biggest center of production being Grand Rapids Michigan.

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Thank you. I guess I was…

Thank you. I guess I was thrown off by the 1814 carved on the underside.

Unless I hear differently, I'm guessing it's not worth much. Garage sale here we come!

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If it's truly from 1875-1900…

If it's truly from 1875-1900 I would think it would still be worth a pretty penny, even if they were mass-produced. So, not sure if I'd sell at a garage sale. If I owned it I would try to sell it individually on my own first.

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Thanks. I appreciate the…

Thanks. I appreciate the advice. That seems like a more prudent thing to do. Would you recommend bringing it to an antique furniture dealer or are online sites the way to go?

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It certainly wouldn't hurt…

It certainly wouldn't hurt to bring it into a dealer to get a physical in person evaluation. In fact, I would probably take it to a couple of dealers to make sure you get the right price should if be offered and you decide to sell to one of them.

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Sadly no great value, these…

Sadly no great value, these routinely sell at auction now for under $50.00. They last peaked in value in the early 1990's at about $175.00.

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