Featured Appropriate Dating of Rocking Chair Please

That is a form commonly known as a Lincoln rocker, although technically, his was upholstered. The age is c. 1870s-80s, based on the fact that it has woven cane rather than machine-caned seat and back. That is an ambitious project for you, even though they got a good start on the back weaving. The seat will have to be started over.

 

I got curious and looked it up .... hand-caning rates are up to $3 per hole these days! That would be about $275 just for the seat.

 

Weaving backs are a bit trickier as you need to add a horizontal spacer to maintain the natural curve of the back. Hopefully, you can find that technique on a video somewhere.

 

Clamp and glue?

 

Hard to tell from the photos, maybe ash?

 

More like a couple of winters! That arm is broken & not an easy fix either, it's a structural repair.

 

I'd think walnut. Darkwing's pretty much nailed it. Sadly, rockers are mostly give-aways these days, even in excellent condition. Nevertheless, this will be a great learning opportunity for you. After you stitch the cane, you can easily recondition the wood with Howard's. Please post a picture or two when you're done!!

 

You will need a professional to repair a structural break, no getting around that.

 

If it was "just caning" I would say go for it but with a structural break, unless you have the tools & knowledge, NO!

 

I agree with James. Don't buy it. There's too much damage. I've seen similar rocking chairs in much better condition for less. The caning materials will cost quite a lot, and the time commitment is huge. I have caned many chairs. I've always considered chair caning to be a summer project when you can work outside. It's messy. If you are new at caning, you should probably start with an easier project. Maybe just a simple chair seat without a back.

 

I guess I'm spoiled. I've got a handyman stashed in the shop.

 

@i need help, I've clarified the image of the breaks the best I could!! Yep, think you probably need to get a friend or pro who has the right glue and clamps for that major break, but other than that....a great winter learning project!!! Up to you who's advice you take!!! You're a smart cookie....do you want to invest the time and effort or not!! I'm leaning more towards @Ghopper, IF you have that kind of time to invest!! (Maybe they'll just GIVE you the rocker!!!!!)

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Yes, plenty OF "PROJECT" furniture out there that doesn't require a fully equipped woodshop to fix, this rocker ain't it though.