I hope someone can shed some light on the age and possible origin of this chair. I inherited the chair from my mother and she had inherited it from her mother. It has been in our family at least 75 years, maybe longer. I'm guessing it is late 19th or early 20th century. Any feedback is appreciated.

Regards,
Rod

I feel it's a transitional chair from the early 20th century. What makes me say that is the very plain feet, paired with the relatively straight legs and then the crest with the elongated anthemion motif plus the ears. It looks part Victorian, part moving towards the relatively more simple Edwardian style that followed.

It's very handsome in any case and must be a pleasure to own.

Thanks, Rococogurl, for sharing your knowledge. That certainly gives me an idea of about when the chair was made.

You are right, we really do enjoy owning this chair. As a matter of fact, our two daughters are already squabbling over who will have it next!

Oh, I love that chair! It has beautiful lines and carving.
I have a "thing" for chairs and always look for interesting ones at auctions and antique shops.

One can never have enough chairs!

Don't have any history but how much this must mean to you. Beautiful!

Thanks to all for your replies. Our whole family really loves this old chair and we plan for it to be passed on for generations to come.

...and, it also looks like a good, sturdy, comfortable chair to have! Hope your family enjoys it for years to come!

The red leather upholstery is particularly handsome. It looks like it's either original or has been on the chair for many years. Do you know?

I have a Victorian Morris chair with carved lions on the arms that belonged to my grandmother, and it needs to be reupholstered.

It originally had red brocade upholstery and 40 years ago or so, someone put a gold velvet fabric on it.

You've given me the inspiration to put leather on it, possibly a color similar to yours. Thank you, and I hope you don't feel "ripped off" that I want to copy something from your beautiful chair.

quote:

Originally posted by Ringo's Tree House:
The red leather upholstery is particularly handsome. It looks like it's either original or has been on the chair for many years. Do you know?

I have a Victorian Morris chair with carved lions on the arms that belonged to my grandmother, and it needs to be reupholstered.

It originally had red brocade upholstery and 40 years ago or so, someone put a gold velvet fabric on it.

You've given me the inspiration to put leather on it, possibly a color similar to yours. Thank you, and I hope you don't feel "ripped off" that I want to copy something from your beautiful chair.

As far as I know, the upholstery is original. And no, I don't feel ripped off, I'm flattered that you are inspired by my chair!

I love the chair too and definately agree, ONE CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH CHAIRS!!!
Of course my family does not agree with me on this!!

HAD to respond to this post when I saw the word CHAIR!! Gonna try to post a picture of my "throne". A few years ago, I rented a space in a small co-op where I sold painted furniture... mostly chairs. Was there one day when an older lady came in and announced she wasn't interested in buying anything but had a chair someone might want!?! She was getting new carpet in a few days and just wanted the chair gone. Turned out she was a VERY young looking 85 year old!! Said chair had been her mother's and none of her kids or grands wanted it. I figured even if I didn't want it, I'd do her a favor and at least get it out of her house for her. It has big paw feet... no claws. A LOT of wood... big curved piece on top and arms that curl with carving on the sides. Upholstery was in less than perfect shape but clean, so I brought it on home and recovered back and seat.

And it's true about not ever having too many chairs. I have 5 around small kitchen table used rarely by ONE... me!

This chair is quite nice - I wonder if it wasn't used in an office - a gentleman's office - with the red leather seat - or a library? It seems more official rather than LR or parlor type chair. I agree with Rococcogirl - it does look turn of the century to me as well.