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Cane back chairs have been popular at varying times. Check underneath the chair for manufacturer information. You can also do internet image searches. If all else fails you might need the help of a professional. This is a guide about identifying a cane back chair.
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Can you tell me anything about this chair? I recently purchased a pair at an estate sale.
Thanks and I look forward to your response.
The M.C.A. is the name of the company and the 161 is the style/model number.
Does anyone know anything about these chairs? They are not quite rocking chairs, more like gliders. I cannot seem to find anything similar online. I also found no markings or a manufacturer name on them, which is not helpful, but figured I would ask. Thanks.
I believe this type chair is called a platform glider or a platform rocker and has always been a popular style. Your chairs appear to be quite old but it is difficult to tell with photos.
You may find photos or listings of similar styles but probably not any just like yours so any prices were shown would only be a guess as very minor differences can make a big difference with antique/vintage furniture.
Here are some listings on eBay of similar chairs but without a name or marking they are not really much use when it comes to value but you can see what the public is calling the chairs. (These are only similar as these are Eastlake and Huntzinger makes.)
Here is a link to a Google search that will show you many makers/styles of this chair. www.google.com/
If you want to know more about your chairs I would suggest you post a question to one of the free antique appraisal sites as they can give you a lot of free information. Just be sure to upload several photos and especially side views. Here are a couple of links to get you started.
I have had this chair for about 30 years and before that it belonged to the aunt of one of my friends. I had it reupholstered years ago. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about it? Would it be considered a Bergere Victorian style? Any thoughts on its age or value?
Nice chair!! Looks comfy!!
First, does the chair have any markings--they would be on the bottom most likely? If not, it will be harder to give a lot of info...but I will tell you my thoughts.
I do not consider this a Bergere Victorian style because my understanding of this style is that all of the wood (around the back) would have to be exposed--like the example in the wiki--shows, which yours is not:
en.wikipedia.org/
I could be being too literal, but that is my understanding.
It definitely has a Victorian flair to it...and I were going to sell it and didn't have a maker or a year, I would call it vintage Victorian.
As to dating it...without a maker, it is hard to date it because there are styles and originals and remakes...so technically, if you had it for 30 years (going back to 1988) it could have been newer then...made to look like an old style.
The hard part about researching chairs for a non expert (I am not at the expert stage by any stretch...I am past novice, but no where near expert)...is that you will have almost an impossible time matching a SOLD version of your chair to any sold piece on any auction site...
I say this because 1 your recovered it, and two, chairs take a beating and there could have been more gingerbread trim that is missing and was repaired and replaced on yours (or on a close version on a website).
You can study this site to see if you can learn more about your piece by looking for like pieces (something I usually do not recommend but in this case it is the only tool available to you if you don't know exact history):
www.chairish.com/
Perhaps an antique dealer could look at it and tell you exactly what it is and when it was made...but I am betting they may just be giving you their best guesstimate.
I wish I could be of more help...but I do hope at least the chairish website can help you learn more.
Good luck!! Thanks for sharing!!
PS if you do learn more and get a name and date, I can certainly help you with trying to value it...but I work best with facts...like names and dates!! Thanks!
Im not sure of the style. You need to know who manufactured it. Look at the bottom and under the cushions for identifying markings
My grandparents has similar furniture, which I'm sure they acquired in the early 1920s. I think it's beautiful!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I wish it had a manufacturer or some identifying feature but.. back in the day, when I had it reupholstered, I didnt have the antique value on my mind and didnt consider looking for identifying features. I do know that it had at least 40 years of wear before I took ownership of it. It belonged to an elderly Aunt of a good friend. That would put it at least into the 1950s. I will keep doing my research and hopefully will be able to narrow it down a little bit more. It does have some detailing in the woodwork that may help. I think I may also have a side view of the chair taken before it was refinished. Thanks again for the info and the websites that you have shared. I appreciate your help!
Thank you for your response. I wish I could, however, I had it refinished many years ago and didnt think to do that at the time.
The bottom of the chair was also recovered so it does not have any visible markings. I know its at least 70 years old but... not sure how much older beyond that it is.
Thanks for your reply!
Thanks so much for your response. I do think it is a beautiful piece. Im thinking about having it refinished again. It has taken a beating in the last few years.
Im guessing that your 1920s estimate is about right. I know its at least 70 years old... just not sure how much older beyond that!
Thanks again. Have a great day!
Thanks for the additional info!! If I am able, I will try to figure out some more on this....it fascinates me as it is so lovely!! If I learn anything, I will repost!! Thanks again for sharing!!
Any idea on how old these chairs are? I don't know much about them, but they are in pristine condition?
Turn the chair over and look for markings. Without a marking it will be hard to identify and assess value.
Do your rungs match this one:
www.ebay.com/
If so, it MAY be an Eastlake chair. I don't think there are knockoffs of this brand, but in the furniture world it is hard to always say that with all positivity!
If so, you can watch this auction and if it sells it will give you a general value for yours!
It is quite lovely!!
You many never find an exact fabric match, as people loved (and still love) to change out fabrics as trends change, but the lovely lines of the chair usually (although not always) remain the same.
Please remember, asking price is NOT value, it is what the seller wants to get. Value is what someone pays for it today. This changes daily too....although usually not a lot!
Happy selling if that is what your aim is. If so, post back and I can give you some easy, peasy selling pointers!
The Eastlake name is used a lot but it is not a "brand name" it is what is called a Victorian "movement" and anyone can claim to have an "Eastlake" piece of furniture.
Cool info, cybergrannie! I had a brief go round love affair with Victorian furnishings back in the late 1980s and clearly my memory from this time is hazy and wrong! I used to covet those chairs and even started a cross stitch sampler with pink and roses on a blue background for if I ever could afford one. Sadly, I never was able to get one and then moved on to dog friendly, functional style furniture :)
We often "sacrifice" for our pets!
I like some of this style furniture but I still have my "nice" furniture mostly from early 1960's and I and my pets are very happy with these friendly old pieces; no matter their value.
I recently received a quote to reupholster some chairs and was curious as to whether or not it was worth the investment?
Who manufactured these chairs? Will you reduce the value of you re-upholster them? You need to find this out. Assuming they are not valuable, if the frame is solid and you like them, it is probably a good investment to reupholster them
I believe these Kimball Victorian chairs or a nice reproduction.
www.ebay.com/
They are quite valuable as you can see this one sold for a very tidy sum!!
If they are the real thing, they are quite valuable, at least where I am, and I would not recommend reupholstering them if you are thinking about selling them in the future.
If they were mibe, I would take the chairs or good photos to a reputable antique dealer and have them confirm what they are and if it is better to keep them intact.
Post back what you learn! They are quite lovely!!!
Yes thank you! I started looking a little closer at them, after I made this post.
I believe you are correct. The word Victorian is imprinted on the back left leg of each.
After creating this post , I looked at the chairs a little closer.
I believe they are Kimball Victorian mahogany, mid 20th sentry.
I believe you have a pair of Kimball lady and gentleman's Victorian parlor chairs. Your lady's chair is the most unusual.
This style is also sometimes listed under other styles; such as Hollywood Regency.
You should look on the bottom of your chairs as they hopefully will have some paperwork stapled on the seat or wood bottom.
I feel sure these are genuine (but they could be reproductions made by Kimballs's in the 1970's) as usually the "fake" ones are in styles that would sell for a lot more money as most likely these are from the 1950-60's but are still usually selling for a nice chunk of money.
You have an amazing set of chairs! If you are going to love them and don't care about resell value, enjoy and get them done. If you care about value, leave them be and maybe consider a lovely throw to get them to your aesthetic need until you decide to sell. There are no rules here. Just facts for you to have good info and make decisions that meet your needs!
