Posted 7 years ago
chrisnoof
(1 item)
Forewarning, I'm new to this...
Saw a yard sale wrapping up and this being put out by the street with a FREE sign on it. I'm a sucker for getting anything and everything someone is willing to give away, but to my untrained eyes this seemed like it could be something special.
Spindle legs and back, low seat and armless- as far as I can figure out it fits the description of a Sewing/Nursing chair. It's actually in very good shape in terms of it' s foundation. The finish (black that doesn't appear touched up anytime recently) isn't in the best shape.
This is the closest comparison I've been able to find: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104489313/armless-sewing-rocking-chair-antique?show_panel=true
Main difference being that mine does have a design on both top and bottom of back. Had a hard time capturing them in photographs but they are fairly simple.
I'm trying to decide whether or not to take this on as a full blown refinishing project or if I should leave the finish untamperd with. I do live in a suburb of Boston and it is not uncommon for people around here to have antique furniture fall into their lap and write it off as junk.
As I mentioned before, this is a very new hobby for me. Would love to hear what anyone thinks of it!
You don't give any useful measurements and closer pictures of the crest board design would help. It is a two piece slab seat from the looks and what little of the design on the crest board that shows looks like a single press back. Hard to tell from the pictures but proceed with caution if you restore it. You could screw it up in the refinishing process and cause more harm than good.
I have a rocker- identical to the one you have pictures of. I also hesitate to refinish it because of the "character" of the piece, however the rockers definitely need to be refinished. The look like they may have sat in water at one time, removing much of the dark brown stain. I can only guess it is late 1800-early 1900 country style "nursing/sewing" rocker due to it's diminutive size. Some joints are loose. Does anyone else have info. or thoughts on refinishing and how much it might reduce it's value? As is, with the state of the rockers missing staining, I don't think it could be worth much.
LOL I would strip it ... clean it well as well let it dry good , then cover it with a sheet of plastic like a tent .. then slip a cup of ammonia under it and watch it start to put a sweet patina on it ... the longer you keep it under the plastic the darker it will get....have fun .....don't be afraid to have fun ,its not like the queen sat in it ...lol long live the queen ....