From a country house in Ellesmere, Shropshire this is a beautiful Victorian dark stained beech bentwood rocking chair, fitted with a gold velvet upholstered seat and back. It is an early bentwood rocking chair with the upholstered seat and back being stuffed with horse hair. Photo 9 shows where the maker's label used to be under the seat and the number 1 stamped into the seat frame just above the paper label. In photo 10 you will also see the number 20 stamped into one of the stretchers. From research this is definitely made by Thonet.
The bentwood rocker was invented by the Thonet brothers of Vienna, Austria in 1856. Their patent for the process expired in 1869, and imitations are still made today This chair is a particularly good example of their style of work. This chair is an iconic piece of style, design and craftsmanship.
MEASUREMENTS
Height 81.5 cm
Length 89 cm
Width 44.5 cm
CONDITION
This is a good example of an antique bentwood rocking chair. There will be the odd mark due to its age and use. You will see that there is a split to the circular section between the seat and back pads as shown in the last photo. This is not detrimental to the chair's function and is often found in a bentwoodchair of this age. The chair has been given a thorough clean and waxed.
SHIPPING
Free collection from West Kirby, Wirral CH48. Alternatively, I can obtain a delivery quote for you from my trusted couriers if you send me your postcode.