Collectibles-General (Antiques)/old rocking chair

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Expert: - 9/15/2008


Question

caned rocking chair
I have what I think is an antique rocking chair, whose seat and back are both caned.  the seat is broken and I'm thinking of either trying to re-cane it myself, or have someone do it.  before I invest, I'd like to know the approximate period it is from, if it is hand-made or machine made (there are no writings of any kind on it) and if you have any other information about it.  Would like to send a picture, but not yet good at that, so am sending what isan exact model of what I have (w/ the exception of the broken seat! ).

Thank you very much.

Mary Anne

Answer
Thanks for your question,
 Your chair is from the 20s-30s. They were made in many types of wood. I would belive it is a factory made chair but without seeing it in person, I can't be 100% sure.
 To tell if it's hand cane or prewoven cane, look at the backside of the back. If you see cane where it comes through the wood around the edge, it's hand cane. If you don't see anything but the wood frame, it's machine cane. I would suggest because of the curved back that this shouldn't be your first project to cane. It takes some knowledge to do curved pieces.
Good Luck,
 Rob
 http://www.andersonsrestorations.com

Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson

Expertise

We can answer questions about wicker repair and restoration, chair seating[caning-rush-splint-danish cord] furniture refinishing and repair, brass and copper polishing, veneering and veneer repair. WE WILL NOT GIVE APPRAISALS or answer "WHATS IT WORTH" questions. If you want a value, contact us for our current costs for this service.

Experience

Just entered our 40th year doing this work. We started in Fl and have been in NC for the last 15 years. We have a web site www.andersonsrestorations.com where we have alot of information about us and a blog at www.andersons-restorations.blogspot.com where we have many before and after photos of our work.We also are experienced in Fiat Jolly Seats and other automobile seating and work on Horse Drawn Carriage pieces.

Organizations
Past president of a historical museum

Publications
Antique Shoppe Newspaper, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine, Antique Lynks Newspaper

Education/Credentials
Seminole HS in Seminole FL class of 1965 and some college before entering service. US Army

Awards and Honors
Asked to demonstrate seat weaving at the NC Musuem of History, Paleigh, for 3 days. Demonstrated at the Mountain Heritage Festival, Sparta,NC.

Past/Present Clients
Restoring 35 pieces of wicker for the Governors Mansion, Raleigh,NC paid through private funding.

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