Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/9/2006

Question
I have just bought an old (seems to be) Taylor Chair Co. Solid Wood office chari. I am unsure what type of wood it is made of. It is a straight back Swivel chair and has the original hand-turning mechanics. It is a medium dark color (not as dark as Walnut). It still has the original tag underneath, stating that it is a Taylor Chair Company chair and that it also has Form 24 on this lable. The back had been crackedJust a small amount. I am unsure how to fix it and do not want to mess it up if it is really old. I paid 10 dollars for it so it did not break the bank. :) I just wanted to see if you might can guess at the age and if you could give me tips on repairing the back. Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Tabby
Nice to hear from you.
I found this about the company who made your chair.
Established in 1816, Taylor's rich heritage spans seven generations in a single family, positioning it as the 28th oldest family business in the United States. Taylor is also the oldest furniture manufacturer in the United States. Over the years, Taylor has earned an excellent reputation for designing and crafting fine office furniture that reflects progressive design and possesses marked quality.
As to how old your chair could be I have no idea but $10.00 was sure a good price. I certainly see these office swivel chairs at auction quite a bit and most I see are oak so that could be what yours is made from but I cannot say without a picture. Most of the ones I see at auction are professed to be from the 1920's 30's and 40's.
Fixing this crack you speak of depends on how its cracked. Is it across the grain or does the grain and the crack run the same way? Also is the crack hurting the structural integrity of the chair?
All of these things I would have to know before advising, but if this crack is not weakening the chair I would leave it alone.
Could I get more info?
Kindest Regards
Eileen