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Bergere chair value
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    Posted 13 years ago

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    GeoSpec
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    I have an old chair my great aunt, an interior designer in LA in the 40's - 70's, brought back from France in the 40's. She brought from France and Mary Colby brought from England. I understand they were among the first to do so. The chair appears to be rather old and of a Louis XV bergere style. It's being reupholstered now, as the chinese silk had completely disintegrated. I have several photos of the stripped frame.

    The construction seems to use small square wooden pegs (see last photo), and lots of tastefully carved arms and frame base with elegant combination curves. How can I determine it's approximate age?

    Time sensitive question: There is a small open panel across the lower back of the frame, behind the seating cushion. This was previously upholstered over and the whitewash was not added back when. Should I go to the trouble and expense of having the lower cross bar of the frame repaired and refinished to match, or just cover as it was when I inherited the chair?

    We have had trouble finding a source for opinion or valuation. This chair has been refinished (whitewashed) probably in the 50's, and reupholstered as many as 10 to 12 times, based on the number of tack holes. Four hardwood corner reinforcements were added inside the spring area, and new springs were added, also in the 50's.

    We are reupholstering it with high quality fabric, keeping as much original material as possible (80% - 90% + down seat cushion fill and original linen casing, portions of the cotton fill, etc). Is there any way to get an approximate age and maybe a value guest-imation? Any suggestions?

    I also inherited a French desk with chinese red lacquer finish and gold inlayed black leather top. This desk is of a similar Louis XV style with extensive brass and bronze details.

    We love these pieces as they are from my family, and both have very interesting family history, including ties to Howard Hughes' plane crash in Beverly Hills.

    I'd be glad to share finished photos after reupholstery, and of the desk.

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    Comments

    1. christiana512c, 10 years ago
      I spent many months researching different companies that sell a french style upholstered bed. I finally made the decision to go ahead and buy the Chelsea upholstered bed. Extremely pleased with my decision. Below is a link to the product page. Good-luck with your upholstered bed shopping.

      http://www.thelondonfactory.com/products/edmonton-french-bergere-chair

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