Featured Odd Rocking Chair

Hi folks,

My older brother has a rocking chair that he acquired a couple of decades ago, but can't remember how. He's in central Florida, but that's no indication of its origin. There are absolutely no makers marks or other brands on the chair anywhere visible. Does anyone have any idea what style, era, or other info that would help him determine whether to keep it or discard it. He doesn't want to throw it away if it has historical value.

Thanks in advance!

 

Reminds me of the old Victorian stick-and-ball decorative trim pieces.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the furniture people here think.

 

Welcome here, OWG!

 

Wow, that looks very close-thanks! I had seen something that indicated it might be french, but I don't think so, it looks very much like this....

 

It’s in the manner of New York chair specialist George Hunzinger, prominent in the second half of the 19th Century.

It may even be from his shop. However, unlike most Victorian cabinet makers, Hunzinger usually labeled his work; this one isn’t. And if it is Hunzinger, it’s a late one, more Eastlake-looking than his usually more radical take on the Renaissance Revival style.

So in the absence of more information, I’d stick with “in the manner of.”

 

That's a lot of good info. Thanks much. I see some late 19th century rockers from Boston area furniture merchants/importers that have paper labels (or parts thereof). Would this craftsman have probably used the same in that time, or had he carved/branded imprints?

 

Everything I searched mostly showed the rockers (in the manner of) with some upholstery on the arms, back & seat.....keep looking....it's got to be out there somewhere!! Yours looks to be in great shape and a nice form!!

 

Agree with the stick and ball designation. Circa1890. It is a platform rocker. Likely American. Most companies did not permanently mark their furniture.

 

It’s likely that Hunzinger would use an impressed mark, not a paper label.

 

Yes, hunzinger used an impressed mark in the wood with his name.

You failed to show the most important picture, the one showing the metal mechanism that makes this rocker rock. Even with no marks on the furniture, there may well be a patent number or date on the metal casting, and that can be used to track down the maker. Hunzinger, for example, had a distinctive patented rocker mechanism, as did other manufacturers.

 

Okay, I will get down there and look around and get some pics. Thanks a lot!

 

Wow, that's unfortunate. Although I'd assume it makes the hunt that much more satisfying when a piece is positively identified from other aspects instead of just having a big sticker on it! LOL