I bought this chair at an auction about 10 years ago because I liked it. However, I have no idea how old it might be or even what style it is. I would appreciate any help with those questions. Thank you.
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I believe this is a Victorian era "gothic" Jacobean-style armchair, which could be worth $500 or more. (The newer upholstery fabric is in stark contrast to the style. Originally this would have been solid, in perhaps a jewel-tone.) I love the puppies on the armrests! Lions were frequently featured, but I think dogs are more suitable for the country-house or club where this chair might have felt at home.
I don't think the carvings are lions. They look like King Cavalier Spaniels (dogs). Does the upholstery come off? It looks like a very modern addition.
I would like to see the bones of the chair to figure out if it is an Edwardian era (19011910) chair or a modern reproduction.
What kind of springs does it have? How is it stuffed? Can you tell if it is joined by screws or dowels and if screws can you share a photo of the heads?
It is unusual as most dogs on chairs are hounds. I would love to learn more and maybe offer more assistance.
Post back with more photos if you can!
Thanks!
Thank you everyone for your help. The fabric does not come off the upper part, but the seat and arms have two layers of fabric, with the top layer coming off because it is fastened with Velcro.
I do not see any screws. The carvings are dogs or something close to a dog, definitely not a lion. I have attached more photos.
The bones of this chair are very cool. It looks like dowel construction so that may place it as a 19th century piece. The more I look at it, I am wondering if it is not a Foo Dog throne style chair that has had a total make over--may have originally had an ornate carved wooden back. If this is the case, if there are not the original bones, it may have lost its value vs. if it was a totally original piece. Don't panic--even totally original Foo Dog chairs don't always have high values--the one below sold for $150. Values are regional and vary with so many factors that you could see ranges from $10 to $1000 and all would be appropriate depending on exactly what you had and where you were located.
Here is the sample chair that sold (don't see year) for $150 aarauctions.com/
You don't mention where you are located. Do you have a quality auction house in your town?
When I come across pieces in my travels that are like this and I am just not sure because they have been redone, it is helpful to go to a place where they can see the chair, hear the chair, feel it and smell it (things like rough wood, creaking when you sit on it and bad smells like cigarette or mildew can instantly devalue an otherwise valuable piece).
They can help you get the big picture what we really can't see from photos (and these are GREAT photos by the way!! Very helpful and allowed me to think better on what I was seeing).
The other reason I suggested taking it to a place like this is they can help you value it for your town. Even if it is not a totally original piece, it is still going to have some value just because it is cool and different. They can help you figure that out for value for where you are located.
All furniture sales are regional so it may fetch a tidy sum in a big city where there are eclectic buyers, and nothing in college town where if it is not Ikea they don't want it.
Post back what you learn!! It is a very cool piece! I can see why you fell in love it it! Thanks for sharing and all the additional photos!
There are many makers of such piece of furniture. There are antiques and also newer brands that are made to look antique. To be sure of it's origin , you would need to contact a professional. Here is a look at a antique that sold for $1200.
The style is from the 1890s. This one is asking over $3000.
www.google.com/
I would ask an antiques dealer if I were you.
Thanks everyone. I live in the Hudson Valley in New York. I appreciate all the help.
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