I can not find any information about my rocker. I am interested in knowing the year of manufacture and possibly the value.
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There is a lot of history on the Murphy Chairs online.
From my understanding, the Michigan label makes the chair between 1872 and 1907 when they moved from Detroit to Kentucky.
www.worthpoint.com/
As to the value, it really depends on where you are located and the supply and demand for such pieces.
In the US, there is an average asking price of $150 for antique rockers, but since yours has more detail with the frieze on the back you may get more, or if you are in a high supply, low demand area, you may get less.
In today's very uncertain market, my best suggestion is to find a reputable antique dealer who specializes in furniture and get his/her feedback on the market in your town.
If the value in your area is on the high side, you may do better to have a professional seller sell it for you in a shop or auction setting. Even though you split profits with them, you end up with much less hassles and less risk for scam/fraud.
Post back how your sale goes!!
This is probably not the best time to try and sell items like this but hopefully things will change in a few months.
Your chair looks to be in good condition (but a couple of pictures cannot really give anyone a very good example of true condition) and condition is one of the ways value is measured as most people want 'good condition' items so they can be used immediately.
Where you live (and sell) is probably the biggest factor in value as large/heavy items are usually too costly to ship (unless it is a highly collectible item). Some areas are into a certain type of furniture and will pay big money while another area (may only be a mile away) will not give it a second glance; much less pay very much for it.
The Murphy Chair Company has a very good reputation for making excellent chairs but the trend for rocking chairs is very narrow and that makes them difficult to sell but they do sell and some have sold in the past for several hundred dollars and I believe yours will fall in that bracket when things pick up again.
Pghgirl always provides excellent information so be sure you keep her posting where you can refer back to it at a later date.
One thing that may be incorrect is the dates this label/mark was used as it was used all the way to 1919 (even after they moved).
If you are interested in finding out more about your chair there are several free online appraisal sites that can help you,
They require several good pictures - all sides, front, back, underneath, seat and any markings. They also wish to know whatever information you have about where it is located, where it has been, etc.
It is a little trouble but if you wish to sell your chair for several hundred dollars then an appraisal will help you.
Some sites do not give appraisals if the value is under $500 so always submit information to several sites.
antiques.lovetoknow.com/
www.whatsellsbest.com/
Barneby's gives the best information but they charge $20 - but well worth the cost.
www.valuemystuff.com/
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