Classic Leather is also handmade in NC. Classic uses a mixture of hardwoods not all of their frames are solid and not all of their frames are true 8-way hand-tied, it depends on the style. Bradington Young is more economical because they use a multiply laminated hardwood frame in place of the solid knot free kiln dried hardwood frames used by Leathercraft. Bradington Young is now a division of Hooker Furniture rather than a family owned business like both Classic and Leathercraft are. Both Classic and leathercraft cater to a higher end customer, they are both willing to make custom changes on all their products within reason. Bradington Young is more main stream they cater more to the masses, they do not like to change up patterns and such but are willing to make subtle changes to their frames like adding or deleting nail trim and they do offer seating or cushion options like both Leathercraft and Classic. All three of these manufactures are based in North Carolina and build outstanding products and yes we do sell all three brands at our store that is why I can comment on this topic as an expert because we are a leather specialty company and my experience comes from years of working with these exceptional leather furniture manufactures.

?? How do seams come OFF? What is PH damage?

I had one of those chairs from my great grandmother's house. It is absolutely not formal. I did think it was incredibly (and surprisingly) comfortable. In fact, for many years, I used it at my desk because I could sit cross legged or pull my feet up on it and curl up with the keyboard as I worked (in younger, thinner, more agile days). I am not a tiny gal so know this chair isn't small (if it is the same size as mine). I think it would look lovely painted and recovered.. I wish I had kept mine but when the caning popped out (probably due to my antics in it), I let it go.

"Rockmanor, did you go through a lot of rigmarole before you finally decided to live with your issues? Did you contact your retailer, or H&M directly?" I called & emailed the retailer (in another state) about two of the pieces. One was also soiled in delivery, and I did speak with the delivery service about that after calling the retailer. I emailed several photos of both pieces which I understand were shared with H&M. The most generous offer was to return one item to H&M for repair and wait approx. 8 - 12 weeks for its return. Given my prior experience with repairs by other furniture manufacturers that held little appeal, especially after being told that the other item's defect passed their standards and that there was no guaranty that the color would match exactly. I could not see the point in being inconvenienced by the pick up/delivery and loss of use for 2 - 3 months only to most likely be unhappy with their solution. In addition, I was lectured by the retailer about not handling the delivery issues properly. When a subsequent delivery was made (& I'd hoped to cancel that order, but was told it was too late), I attempted repeatedly to get the delivery crew to either wear gloves or wash hands - they refused. As it turned out, the problems with those items were not related to the delivery. Since it had been made clear that I was too picky before, I did not pursue remediation. Perhaps other people would not be bothered, but it bugs us.