Robert Mitchell Furniture Co. label on chair

By sutsrtshs, 13 August, 2012
Description

I purchased the chair about 35 years ago in NJ.  At the time, I had no interest in antiques, just really liked the chair.  I didn't pay much attention to the label under the seat.  Over the years, I've aquired a number of pieces through family members, I like knowing the history, age etc.  This chair is somewhat of a mystery for me.  I've looked at some 'late' Robert Mitchell furniture on line, and this chair doesn't appear to fit.   Any info would be appreciated, I have no idea of the value, the wood is (I think) walnut or mahogany.  I've had 2 offers to purchase the chair, and would like to know it's value.

Category
American Furniture
Medium
wood - veneer, walnut or mahogany
Distinguishing marks
painting on chair back, some details on arms and seat
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
36 1/2" H; 23" D; 27" W
Date Period
uncertain
eBay Auction Link
For Sale?
No
Photos

sutsrtshs

12 years 5 months ago

I'm looking for information regarding the age, style, possible manufacturer of the chair.

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Your chair dates from the turn of the 19th century and is based on the Art Nouveau style which peaked in popularity in 1900, it's either mahogany or maple with mahogany veneers and a mahogany dye stain ( Maple is quite light in it's natural color) The painted decoration could have been original to the chair or added later. It's a nice piece we'd retail one like this for about $600.00

Here is what i have about the company:

"The McFaddin-Ward House in Beaumont Texas has approximately 100 pieces of Mitchell furniture, documented and attributed. The website is www.mcfaddin-ward.org

The museum is in the process of producing a book on Robert Mitchell with a reprint of its Cat. 75 ca. 1909, so there will soon be many images of Mitchell there.

The Cincinnati firm produced a broad range of furniture styles, types and forms since it changed its name to The Robert Mitchell Furniture Company in 1881 (from Mitchell and Rammelsberg). The firm closed its doors in 1940."

 
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If this shows up twice, I apologize, didn't seem to 'go through' the 1st time.

Thank you for your response, I appreciate the information.  I always assumed the chair was from the 1920's-30's (no particular reason).  I questioned the authenticity of the label, because I couldn't find anything under 'Mitchell' that looked like this chair.  Actually, I couldn't find another chair that seemed similar 'Mitchell or not'. 

I did check the website you mentioned a while ago, and then started looking for Mitchell catalogues.  I haven't tried selling the chair, not certain how I would go about that.  People that come to my house with friends ask about it.  I give them the limited info I have and over the last 2-3 years I've had 2 people offer to buy it.  The last offer was for $400, I guess that's reasonable.

Thanks again for your response.  You gave me more info than I was able to find in the last 3-4 months of searching. 

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