Expert: Fred Taylor - 1/7/2005

Question
Hi Fred,

I have an old rocking chair with an interesting design element that I'd like more information on. It has been in our family for some time. It has no mfg markings that I could see. The spindles are quite delecate and fine, and have been shaped. The seat has a raised back section which I've never seen before.

I've contracted with a refinisher to repair the broken leg and rocker, strip off the black paint and stain. Any help with identifying it, and possibly it's value would be greatly appreciated.

Photos being sent to your aol address.

Roy

Answer
Roy – Your rocker is an example of the venerable Boston rocker. It first appeared in New England the 1820s but no one is sure why it was named after Boston. It is similar to a Salem rocker with the exception of the shaped seat. A great many of these chairs were have been made over the years and were in continuous production for most of the 19th century. Even Lambert Hitchcock made some Boston rockers in his Connecticut factory. The earliest forms of the Boston are identified by the single board used in the seat. Later versions, after 1840, generally used three boards in the seat, one for the platform itself and one each for the front and rear rolls. From the photos it appears that this is the case with your chair. I would put your chair anywhere from 1850 to 1870. The chairs are generally made of maple and pine and were traditionally painted black with gold striping and floral stencils. According to Helen Comstock in her book “American Furniture”, published by Schiffer, the popularity and longevity of the Boston rocker took it into more American homes than any other type of rocker. With the restoration required for your chair the value is greatly diminished as far as collectors go. After restoration it would sell at auction in the $200 range. Thanks for writing and thanks for the excellent photos