I have seen and thought I would love to have a "Mammy Bench" for a number of years now. (the rocking benches that have a removable front guard that makes it look like 1/2 cradle 1/2 rocking chair - they were used to rock the baby to sleep while you could still do needle work or other sitting project). Anyway, I saw one at an antique market here in town. They are very scarce and everytime I had seen one on the internet previously they run anywhere from $300 - $600. This one is at an incredible price of $140, but I can't judge if it is authentic or a re-make. The style just doesn't strike me as original, and since it is painted, it's hard to tell what type of wood it is. It is not dove tailed anywhere, but there isn't much spot for dove tailing anyway. It resembles one of the farm style porch rockers, but there are oval shaped knobs on the back side styles. If the knobs were part of the side style I wouldn't question them, but they are seperate pieces, which would tell me that someone made it as a repro. Beyond that, the styling is very simple. Most of the other ones I have seen are more of a federal or colonial styling with turned spindles. Between the styling question, and the fact that is so cheap at an antique store I'm kind of leary about purchasing such a large piece of furniture if it is a reproduction. Not that I want it for the value - but if I'm going to have to rearrage my current furniture, which I would have to do because my living room isn't that big, I want it to be authentic. Most of the people that I have talked to have said that if it is in nice condition, then it is worth it because it probably cost that much or more to make. But again, I would rather it be authentic. Can anyone give me any pointers for spotting if it is a re-make?