Expert: Mark H. Miller - 7/15/2007

Question
Hi, I obtained 2 identical chairs but one is a little larger than the other, upholstered with wood trim. They are "old"? Has straw like stuffing with springs. About when was straw stopped being used? Could they be bedroom chairs?

Answer
HI,  I think you are very lucky,  from the description that you gave me your chairs probably date back to a period between 1880 and 1910,  called late Victorian,  two chairs that are identical but one larger is called a Mr. and Mrs. chair,  the larger chair is the Mr. the other for the dainty woman.  Straw as a filler was discontinued around the 1920's and outlawed in the 1970's when laws required furniture to be fire retardant.

They were most likely parlor chairs and therefore not used much which is the reason they have survived to this day.  Most likely they never were very comfortable.  Designed for sitting upright with a cup of tea on one's knee, very proper as the Victorians were.

I hope this information helps.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Mark Miller.