Description
I have three chairs from a set of more (the other chairs were passed down to other family branches). The rocking chair is pictured here. I've also taken pix of the wood of the rocking chair's arm, back, and bottom. We also have a regular signle chair and a larger loveseat (for two very small people!) with only one arm. I had these re-covered a few years ago.
Re: What era is this chair from? Can you tell me anything ...
It's a late Victorian example in the Eastlake style. the style getting its name from Charles Eastlake,who wrote a book entitled "Hints on Household Taste" in 1868. In this influential book he rejected the ornate decorations favored on earlier Victorian furniture and espoused simpler more incised rectangular lines sparingly accented with machined forms and varying wood types for decoration. The American version of this style were more ornate than Eastlake's original designs, but his name has been forever linked to this furniture ever since.
Victorian Furniture is currently not selling very well, after big run ups in value during the 1980's to mid 90's. At auction these platform rockers now sell for under $150.00.
Lovejoy
Re: What era is this chair from? Can you tell me anything ...
Wow. That is so helpful to know. I had heard they were Victorian, but like you said, not so ornate. They were a staple in our home growing up and I have pix of them at my grandmother's home. My mother always covered them in pink or burgundy, which I disliked, so I softened them up a bit with the green. Even if they aren't selling well, they mean something to me and I love having them around! I even had a couch and chair made which were smaller in scale than today's style in order to go with these chairs.