Seeking input on construction-based dating of a 19th-century chair

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by Hallingdalen, Feb 2, 2026.

  1. Hallingdalen

    Hallingdalen Active Member

    I’m looking for opinions on the dating of this chair

    H: 90 cm
    B: 45 cm
    D: 45 cm
    Seat height: 45 cm

    On close inspection, the chair appears to be handmade rather than factory-produced:

    • The rear legs and back posts are each cut from a single solid piece of wood, forming a continuous curve (not laminated or steam-bent).

    • The crest rail and central back rail are tenoned into the back posts, with no evidence of original bolts, screws, or metal reinforcement.

    • Seat rails are mortise-and-tenon joined into the legs. Existing splits follow the grain and show darkened edges consistent with age and hide glue.

    • Interior surfaces show hand-plane and scraper marks, not router or pattern-milling marks.

    • Support blocks, slotted screws, and upholstery appear to be later repairs or reupholstery, not original to the chair.

    • I see no evidence of standardized parts or jig-based symmetry typical of late 19th-century factory furniture.
    Stylistically, the chair has restrained curves and modest scrollwork rather than heavy ornament. While this could loosely align with Louis XV/XVI / Louis-Philippe–era forms which was popular from 1840-1870, my dating assessment is based primarily on how the chair was constructed, not decorative style.

    Based on construction alone, my current working date is mid-19th century (roughly 1840–1855).

    IMG_5734.JPG IMG_5737.jpg IMG_5743.jpg IMG_5744.jpg IMG_5721.jpg IMG_5740.jpg IMG_5749.jpg IMG_5742.jpg IMG_5747.jpg
     
    komokwa and wlwhittier like this.
  2. Hallingdalen

    Hallingdalen Active Member

    IMG_5783.jpg

    Gentle rinse and first layer (of 3 total) wax - im firmly confident that its mahogny, and of french origin (style + use of mahogny).
     
    Figtree3 and Any Jewelry like this.
  3. Hallingdalen

    Hallingdalen Active Member

    IMG_5793.jpg

    2/3 layer of beewax and polish
     
    Figtree3 and Ghopper1924 like this.
  4. Ghopper1924

    Ghopper1924 Well-Known Member

    Nice! The wood looks great!
    Balloon-back side chair ca.1870, part of either a dining set or parlor set.
     
    Figtree3, Hallingdalen and komokwa like this.
  5. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    Nice chair!
     
    Ghopper1924 and Hallingdalen like this.
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