Posted 12 years ago
BHock45
(807 items)
I found these about two years ago at a yard sale. The woman lived in a very old house, and was selling a lot of very old items. Both of these chairs are very "delicate", and I would not risk sitting on them too often. I initially wanted to fix them up a bit, but never got the chance. I believe the chair to the left is bamboo, and the right is oak? Not sure.
If anyone could give me some history about the styles of chairs I would appreciate it. They both look like the were once painted a solid color. But it is hard to tell. Thanks everyone!
Hi, BHock45! The chair on the left is a real beauty. So glad you have it. "Caned" is the word for the woven fabric on the seat and back panel. Yes, certain caned areas do look a bit vulnerable. Caning can be replaced, or if small area of damage, possibly can be repaired. Beautiful patina on the arms! Shows some age beauty.
Chair on right is handsome, too, with nice form and patina, and the two chairs together are very attractive. Interesting that the color of the finish of the wood on both is so close. Why is the chair on the right delicate? Are any joins loose? You might be able to remedy that yourself. Someone more knowledgeable about furniture might be able to give you an idea about age. Pictures of the chair set taken from the bottom might help them
Hey thanks for the info. I have a great deal of old chairs I would like to post here for people to see. Actually the one on the right is not so delicate, I am just afraid of breaking the cane, even though I doubt it is original.
Thanks! Have a great weekend.
Hi, BHock45! You're most welcome!
By the way, if you do post photos of the bottoms of these chairs, I would include a photo of the 'breaks'/'joins'/'decorative bands' that appear on some of pieces of the chair on the right. I can't tell from the photos these 'breaks' are, but a good photo of them might help someone knowledgeable about furniture put a date range on the chair. Sorry, I know a little about furniture styles, but almost nothing about the carpentry aspect of furniture! Have a great weekend!
Hey, sorry it took so long to get back. Yeah I will def. do that. I can't wait to get the next pair of chairs up. They are a pair of those decorative high back-gothic type church chairs. But I am trying to take off all of the unoriginal upholstery so that I can show the joinery like you said. There's just never enough time!
Take care.
Oh, and to answer your question about the delicate chair. It is possible that it was a children's chair. The arms and the top rail have been barely holding on. A normal size adult would crush it in two sits. Based on the underneath I believe it was painted a dark green or black. Maybe milk paint? I think they were refinished in this stain.
Ok, later.
Here is another one which is similar based on the design of the arms. This is English:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/69710-side-chair-3
Love the chairs. The one on the left is known as a "bird cage Windsor". Are we crazy to have chairs that are too fragile to sit on? Who cares...They are great to have around the house.
Big Tex...just saw this from 8 months ago. Every time someone goes to sit on it I dive across the room to save the chair.