I purchased this chair at a yard sale many years ago and was unable to get any information out of the seller as to it's history. A few years later i sold it at my own yard sale- and a year later I found it in a thrift store and bought it back, ha! This chair wants me to learn it's truth ...
I believe the wood is Fruitwood, but i am not sure.
I have been very careful not to mess with the patina (which is stunning), and i have not had it re-caned because i think the remnants of the old caning could be the original- and may help to date it.
The wood is hand-carved. Note the arms are slightly uneven in carving.
The lower right foot is damaged, and as evidenced in the picture the original dowel has been replaced (notably slightly smaller than the original hole).
Other than the foot, and the caning, the chair is in excellent condition. There are no chips or dings anywhere on the carvings, or any of the surfaces- and the chair is solid structurally. It is also quite comfortable (I custom made temporary seat and back from upholstered cardboard that just pop on and off without actually being attached)
I'll let the pictures tell the rest :-)
Re: Elegant Antique Carved Rocking Chair
Re: Elegant Antique Carved Rocking Chair
This was my first appraisal .
This was my first appraisal .. still waiting on a second opinion from european appraiser.
Description:
An American Victorian carved walnut rocking chair, the seat and back formerly with cane, the shield shaped and moulded back with scallop shell cresting and foliate scroll apron rail, the scroll arms with conforming carved detail flanking the bow front seat, on cabriole legs with cabochon carved knees and scroll feet.
Item Date: Mid 19th century