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Description
A very unique platform rocker with incised carving in oak veneer. Circa: 1880 to 1900
Wisconsin Chair Factory is a unique bit of history in the furniture of early America as well as a player in the birth of the record industry. Connections to Edison and early blues/jazz musicians the likes of Louis Armstrong. The manufacturer's label is still attached on the bottom of the seat. There is a small repair as shown to the seat. Really just a crack that is patched in a very old style of repair. Also, a small area of the carved veneer has been patched withsome wood patch compound prior to my acquiring this piece.
The label states:
The bearings are treated with a lubrication that will not wear out.
They should be lubricated occasionally (especially if the chair should squeak) with tallow, castor oil or sewing machine oil.
First remove the swing if tallow is used.
The Wisconsin Chair Co.
Port Washington, Wis.
Category
American Furniture
Medium
oak
Distinguishing marks
label on bottom of chair
Condition
Excellent
Date Period
1880-1950
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Re: Wisconsin Chair Factory Rocker
I have a similar Wisconsin slider/rocker that I am trying to date.
Mine has the same carved oak veneer on the sides, front and back.
There is a small sticker identifying the manufacturer on which the model number is handwritten along with some other writing I cannot decipher.
The seat is floral material over what appears to be burlap holding back the grass/hay seat stuffing. it is not horsehair.
I would appreciate any further information that you could give me regarding either your chair or mine.
Thanks,
Miles
Re: Wisconsin Chair Factory Rocker
Rockers like this one are a mix of styles and date from the turn of the 19th century. Most were based on the design of "Boston Rockers" made during the second quarter of the 19th century. They are a "hard sell" in today's market, as demand for them peaked in the late 1980's and has been in steep decline since then, we often see comparable rockers now sell at auction for less than $150.00.