French leather club chairs – probably reproduction, but could they be older?

New week new chairs!

I recently got these two leather club chairs and I’ve been trying to figure out how old they might be. I assume they’re reproductions, maybe from the mid-1900s, but after looking underneath, I’m not so sure anymore.

They have hand-tied coil springs, thick jute webbing with sewn intersections, and there’s no foam or modern materials inside. There’s even a piece of older patterned fabric visible inside the side of one chair. The legs are cabriole-style in the front and curved in the back.

The leather looks old and worn but not cracked through, and the seat is fixed (not removable). I can’t find any maker’s mark.

 

Welcome hallingdallen- A beautiful pair, looks older to me, but lets call our furniture pro @verybrad

 

What makes you think they are older?

 

I don't have a huge amount of expertise in furniture-just looking at the type of webbing,thickness & light brownish tinge of the springs.It could have been restored though-don't trust me ,go with Brad's opinion.

 

.

 

Yeah, ive recieved indications that photos show holes in frame where prior webbing was removed. Usually you reapply the webbing in the same location but it looks like the straps were shifted over for some reason. Could also be original and they just messed up the webbing placement on the first try?

 

My gut reaction is that these are post-WWII. Could be even newer but hard to say. Quality makers used tied coil spring construction late into the 20th century. Something about the feet says newer to me. Would like to see how the front feet are attached. Also would expect to see more wear and tear if these were much older.

Not quite sure of what to make with the extra holes in the frame. Almost looks like they started to go with 4 pieces of webbing and realized that it should be 3.

 

Yeah, i do agree with that assessment. I assume that the chairs have been reupholstered down to replacing the springs at least once. The leather is way to good condition to be pre WW2? Any specific angles you would like the photos of the front feet?

 

Ive tried to take some pictures from all angles. I sort of expected it to be a reproduction, but i thought the chairs were good looking (im weak for french club chairs) and $800 was fair value given the condition of the leather and handmade springs.

 

Just a thought - whats the odds of someone being a quality maker able to do tied spring coils, and then messing up the webbing on the frame? Seems unlikley, or perhaps those two operations are done by separate people?

Fascinating to analyse furniture! Appreciate all inputs, learning a ton!

 

for $800 , i'd have done more research before the purchase....
that sounds steep !

 

Unfortunately $800 is not the same in Norway as in North America... 241.2 million standard cubic meters of oil equivalents yearly production, 1.4 trillion dollar oil fund and 5,5 million population is dynamite for salaries, prices etc.,

 

as long as u luv them........

 

Indeed! They are fabulous to sit in. @verybrad any thoughts on the legs?

 

Whatever age they are I think they're gorgeous and if you love them the price doesn't matter at all.

 

100%! They have a lovely Art Deco feel. Im a certified club chair addict. My wife has banned me from buying any more chairs after the last one i bought - pictured below coming of a treatment with balm (got 5 chairs now).

 

The "complete" collection

 

Found this ad from 1930 - Norwegian furniture maker. Look at the legs

 

Great chairs, but I don't see the strong rounded or angular outlines of an Art Deco club chair. And those elegantly shaped legs are far too dainty for AD.
Even if they are the same period, that doesn't necessarily make them the same design style.

 

I agree. I think I’ve been too quick to label everything from the 1920–1940 period as Art Deco