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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/repair for this year and make of rocker

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Expert: - 2/8/2011


Question

rocker
Hi,
Just got this at a garage sale. It looks to be fairly old. I'd like to know how old it is, and possibly who the manufacturer was. Also, it's in need of some repair along the top of the back and I don't know exactly how the pattern should be. The cording is wrapped over wire, but not all of it. It has a spring seat, with same wood as the chair itself. One label, but no identifying name, just numbers. The label says Stock No. "illegible" Next line is Upholstry: D5(or 3)70, next line is Finish: 49, next line is Factory Order No. looks like 9014 1/2.

On the bottom of the seat frame there is scrawled lettering that looks original but is very difficult to make out. Looks like WYS 14. Also on the bottom is scrawled X103.
I've attached a photo, but can send others if you need a closer look. Thank you for your help!

Answer
Your rocker is a fibre wicker item. Fibre was used starting in @ 1900 up to the end of the great wicker demand. The wire in the fibre you mentioned is known as wire core fibre and used where the strength is needed, such as the back of your rocker. The wire can eventually break and it will loose that strength. This is what's happened to your item. The pattern in the back is visible if you look at the center part. The end pieces should be attached to the uprights. The best way to repair is to replace one strand at a time making sure you follow the over-under weave.
 With the name of the maker, all the other numbers don't tell us anything.

  Good Luck- Nice Rocker,
    Rob

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

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

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

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