Featured I have seen these chairs before. What r They?

I am pretty sure I have seen this type of chair on Antiques Roadshow. But I know nothing about Furniture. Does anybody know anything about them? They want $250 for them.....Is that a good buy?

 

Shield back Duncan Phyfe style

https://www.google.com/search?q=shi...YBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1024&bih=589#imgdii=_

Ooops wait a moment!!! Duncan Phyfe is noted for the lyre splat back chair. It's Hepplewhite noted for the shield back.

About 8th down:
http://www.buffaloah.com/f/glos/chairs/terms/terms.html#Backs

http://www.buffaloah.com/f/fstyles/fed/hepp/index.html

I knew I shouldn't have chimed in so early on this query. Do wait for others.

--- Susan

 

They're a good buy if you're going to use them yourself and the chairs are in good condition. Nice quality new dining room chairs can cost more than that apiece. Even if the antique value is nil, that price tag beats the heck out of the price for a new set.

 

They need refinishing if your going to keep them,and that gets pricey,even if you do it yourself. Wich I do not reccomend ! $40 or so apiece is about right.

 

Thank you all for the input. I think I ll have to take a closer look at them . I appreciate y'all taking the time to help.
Lady branch, thanks for the great link on styles. That will be very helpful!

 

Thank you Johnny! I appreciate the insight!

 

Thank you Evelyn. I was thinking in that vein myself!

 

While I wouldn't disagree with calling these Hepplewhite, I think they could just as likely be considered Adams style. The styles are closely connected and, here in the US, are often lumped within the Federal style. These are revival pieces and really don't have enough to distinguish them to one style or the other. I think if you search all three terms, you will find similar chairs.

I think the price is fine if in good condition and for your own use. If buying for resale, it is probably too much.

 

As one who hates refinishing, a bit of Old English Furniture Polish* can do wonders.

Besides which, one doesn't want them to look new!

*Pretty soon those people are going to have to give me a commission!

 

I agree with the above posters. Price is good for your own use, but not for resale.

Old English is nice, but if you can get Howard's restore-a-finish, it is better. Comes in different tints, mahogany, walnut, cherry.

 

Hi,
Easier, not as messy and cheaper. Good old fashioned shoe polish in a can. Use clear or tan for light colored wood, burgandy for maghogany, dark brown or black for dark woods. rub it in let it sit and buff.
greg

 

OEFP seems to be waterproof, BTW.

 

Hi Silver,
So is wax shoe polish. BTW I still use OEFP on some things.
greg

 

Pretty chairs, but one more thing if you're looking to resell: there's only one arm chair and 5 side chairs. Someone needing dining room chairs would likely want 2 arm chairs for either end of the table and an even number of side chairs.

If you're going to resell at a shop or antique mall, I'd consider painting them (I know, it pains me to do it, but painted sells better here than "brown furniture"), re-upholstering the seats in a neutral modern fabric, and selling 4 chairs as a set, then the arm chair and other side chair separately. Well-painted and with new fabric, we generally get $75 per individual side chair, $125 for an arm chair.

 

Hi Ascot,
I have found around here people do not have large dining rooms anymore. most of the houses have combination dining/living rooms and they want smaller sets of dining furniture. Stores around here have one arm chair at the "head" and side chair at the bottom and only 4 side chairs. I have a big dining room but only one arm chair and 7 side chairs.
greg

 

Thanks to everybody for the insights and great suggestions!