If the dark "Old English polish" is still available I think I would try it. I never thought much of as a polish but it certainly did cover any scratches on dark stained wood. I also wonder if your chairs will darken some with age.

New furniture is likely finished with laquer. If you try to mess with a stain, most likely it will rub off and/or compromise the finish.
Send the chairs back....you will never get then to be to your liking.
Better to buy second hand and paint than to pay good money for new and muck with the finish.
You very well may ruin the chairs for you and to sell.

Old English will not make any permanent change and will come off on people's clothes. I'd look at one of the products in this link. It is a stain and finish in one step and can be used over some existing finishes. You will need to go over them with 0000 sandpaper and a tack cloth first.

Here is a link that might be useful: Minwax Onestep

Store models are usually darker because they have been sitting under lights for months or years.

Mahogany darkens fairly quickly, so you might want to wait for six months and see what the color is like.

In my experience, furniture becomes lighter after sitting under flourescent lights.

I use old english all the time It you dont over do it ,wipe off excess it wont get on peoples clothes.

Old English may be fine for covering scratches and blemishes on a piece a few years old...
But I don't really think it's wise to buy a new set of chairs that are not the color you like and plan to change the color with Old English colored polish.
Better to get somethning more to your liking, or something you feel you can paint.
Linda C

It took me like 8 months to find chairs I liked, as I really wanted antique, but finally just decided to go ahead with the reproduction because my DH was getting VERY testy, and grumpy about the lack of furniture in our house. He does not have the temperment to wait months or years looking for period pieces. He wanted furniture, and he wanted it now. If I do come across something I think is perfect, I can resell the reproduction chairs I suppose. Because I bought these on a trip and had to have them shipped, it would be expensive and difficult to return them, and try and explain that the chairs are a tinge to red, and to try and get the color right when I am in another state. So the chairs are staying, DH is calming down, and I am going to see if they darken with time and some of your suggestions too. Many thanks for your ideas!

You have several options:
1. Use gel stain. This is polyurethane mixed with stain, comes in different colors. No need to strip the furniture, just prepare surface as recommended and brush on over the existing finish.

2. Use Bri-wax or similar. This is a paste wax that comes in colors. A brown or dark brown will help tone down the reddish look that you don't like, and the wax is removable later on with mineral spirits if you want.

3. I actually HAVE used Old English scratch cover to darken entire pieces of furniture, but results vary, no guarantees. Let it set for a while, then wipe off repeatedly until no more comes off. Any residue will dry over time.

Gunnar, dude, 10 year old thread...

I have used minwax gel stain with wonderful results. Gel stain is MAGIC in a can!! Following are just a few examples:

I purchased vintage Henredon bamboo look headboard that was to light for my taste, kind of a yellow paint finish with brown fleck here and there. I simply wiped off the dust and applied the gel stain using a wad of cheese cloth . It took 2 coats to achieve the desired color I wanted. It. was quick and easy (be sure to wear gloves) Now it is dark walnut and beautiful.

Also, I used the gel stain on a beautiful 1950's mahogany side board which was to redish-orange to go well with my dining table and chairs. This time I removed the hardware and lightly sanded the piece with the finest steel wool then dusted it and applied the stain again using a wad of cheese cloth. Results excellent.

I'm sorry that I don't know how to post pictures. I'll have to get a lesson on that soon!

gunnar1952, I just wanted to let you know that I found your comment really helpful! I had the same question as this original poster did (who cares if it was 10 years ago) and you answered it so well. Thank you! :)