Antique Chair

16 years ago

I found this chair sitting in the trash, while driving through an upscale neighborhood in Indianapolis. It has a couple of tears in the leather, and some of the joints are loose, so it needs to be repaired.

I have never seen a chair like this before and know nothing about chairs. From my research online, I have not really even found what style it is. What I do know is that it had at least 20 years worth of dust on it so it must be at least 20 years old. It is made of oak, and the stain seems to be cracking with age. I have no idea what style it is, who might have made it, or where it might have been made. It has no markings on it, and has plenty of wear. Can anyone help me figure out what this is, and what I should do with it. I am pretty handy with repair work, but wonder if this is something that should be done. It has a greek figure on each leg, and griffins on the top. The back side is also covered in leather, and shows much less wear, like it has been against a wall.

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Comments (10)

pearson_pearson
Original Author
16 years ago
you can click on the picture and it will bring up a smaller version.
lindac
16 years ago
I can't get a smaller version to show...
From what I can see...it's late 19th century, walnut carved, side chair....A "throne" style.
Linda C
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Take it down to the bare frame. If it still smells then sand and refinish then decide if you want to keep it or sell it, don't trash it. In my area it would not be that expensive to refill and reupholster. Good chair frames are expensive and properly done that looks like a comfy chair.
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centralcacyclist
16 years ago
{{gwi:1392104}}

Cool chair.
lydia1959
16 years ago
It could be a "Face Chair" similar to the one in the link. These were popular at the end of the 19th century.

Can't believe someone would throw that away! Great find!

Here is a link that might be useful: Face Chair
pearson_pearson
Original Author
16 years ago
So far, very useful information. Thanks so much. Does anyone have an idea of what I should do with it. It's a cool chair, but does it have any value, and should it be restored? I know that I could re-glue the joints, refinish, and have new leather put on it. But maybe that isn't a good idea...I don't know much about antiques.
pearson_pearson
Original Author
16 years ago
Maybe it's the work of john jelliff? Any ideas?
lindac
16 years ago
Not Jelliff's style....too heavy in the leg and foot.
Definitly worth restoring....it's very very nice...and unless I can't see some things, looks to be all there....just filthy! Never been painted, never had the legs shortened etc.
Start out wiping, carefully with shellac thinner to which you have added some ( about 1 part laquer thinner to 4 parts shellac thinner) and clean with paper towel...DO THIS OUTSIDE if you can or at least in a well ventilated room away from flame and sparks.
Then re glue the joints and see what it looks like. Then perhaps finish with shellac or varnish....and have re covered.
Linda C
sombreuil_mongrel
16 years ago
Amazing chairs like this, with allegorical figures and not really very detailed carvings, were favorite props for photographer's studios at the turn of the century. These props tended to be quite ostentatious, especially when combined with a backdrop suggesting a Tuscan balcony or a fifth avenue drawing room.
Casey
ademink
16 years ago
omg...I live in Indy...how did I miss this???!!!! LOL
jemdandy
16 years ago
Don't mess with the finish other than to remove dirt until you know what you have. Refinishing can greatly reduce the value of an antique if the finish is yet in servicable shape. I'm no expert, but the carvings on the chair back, the curved arms, leather upholstery, and decorated legs says this is no ordinary chair. Turn it over and look underneath for a maker's mark or label.