Notes On Restoring The 1880s Gingerbread Rocking Chair

August 10, 2013

At first the chair seemed solid. But there was some flex…then I noticed the nail heads…then the splits/cracks in the seat at the joints. Okay, it had to come apart. The owner said yes, do it really right.

Restoration Of 1880s Maple Rocking Chair w/ Caned Seat & Back

July 31, 2013

This is a classic exuberant 1880’s mid-Victorian Eastlake rocking chair. Design wise, it was not a subdued age, but don’t confuse that with poor quality. This chair was made of solid hard maple throughout. Not just any maple, but obviously carefully selected quilted/tiger stripe/birds eye maple for the back uprights. Beautiful. The “gingerbread” — extra spool turnings here, there, all over — weren’t just for show, but tended to strengthen the chair. It was made to use, and last, a long time. And it did, already now well into its 2nd century.