Is your rocking chair an antique? Determining How Old Is My Rocking Chair involves researching its unique characteristics, materials, and style. At rockscapes.net, we can help you explore the types of old rocking chairs, identification markers, and potential values of your antique, transforming your landscape and bringing lasting value to your outdoor space. Unlock the secrets hidden within your rocking chair’s history by recognizing upholstery, identifying the finish, and considering professional opinions.
1. Decoding the Age of Your Rocking Chair Through Style and Value
Some rocking chair styles are more valuable than others. Knowing the style can provide a clue to its age and origin.
| Rocking Chair Style | Typical Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bentwood Rocker | $100 to $250 | Steamed beech wood, swirling design, cane seats/backs |
| Boston Rocker | $250 to $750 | Oak and pine, black paint, fruit/flower designs, scrolled seat |
| Folding Rocker | $100 to $200 | Ability to fold back down to the seat for portability |
| Jenny Lind Children’s Rocker | Under $100 | Spool-turned spindles on back, legs, and crossbars |
| Ladderback Rocker | Under $100 | Tall back with horizontal slat design, country style |
| Mission Rocking Chair | $150 to $1,000+ | Simple, squared off, sturdy, often with leather upholstery |
| Platform Rocker | $125 to $275 | Seat rocks while base remains stationary, springs for movement |
| Press Back Rocker | $250 to $500 | Raised design on the wood back, Colonial Revival style |
| Sewing Rocker | $50 to $150 | Small size, no arms, simple design, often made of pine |
| Wicker Rocker | $50 to $350 | Woven design, various patterns, synthetic fibers may be present |
| Windsor Rocking Chair | $100 to $700 | Spindles running down back and armrests, legs fitted into rockers |
These values are estimates, and the actual worth of your rocking chair may vary depending on its condition, rarity, and provenance.
2. The Quest for the Manufacturer’s Mark: Unveiling Your Rocking Chair’s Origins
Finding the maker’s mark on an old rocking chair is like discovering a hidden signature, providing vital clues about its history and authenticity.
2.1. What Type of Mark to Look For
The manufacturer’s mark on an old rocking chair might appear in various forms. It could be a paper label with information written in pencil or pen, carefully pasted onto the chair. Alternatively, you might find a branded or stamped mark directly on the wood. Look for any markings featuring words, numbers, or a combination of both. These marks could reveal the company name, the year it was made, or a unique serial number. Finding a year on the mark is the most straightforward way to determine the rocking chair’s age.
2.2. Where to Look for the Mark
The manufacturer’s mark is most often found on the underside of the chair’s seat. This is a discreet location that was commonly used by manufacturers. You might also find the mark on the back of the chair back or on a spindle, so be sure to inspect these areas thoroughly. If you don’t find a mark in any of these places, examine the entire chair carefully. However, keep in mind that the tag might simply be missing due to wear and tear or removal over time.
3. Decoding the Age of a Rocking Chair Through its Materials and Construction
Two rocking chairsWithout a manufacturer’s mark, you can still learn how old is my rocking chair through its materials. From the type of wood to the finish and construction techniques, each element can provide clues about its age and origins.
3.1. Identify the Type of Wood
Wood has always been a primary material for old rocking chairs, predating the invention of plastics and other modern materials. While a wide variety of woods can be used today, the specific type of wood used in your old chair can offer significant clues about its age and origin. Most antique rocking chairs found in the United States will be made from traditional English or Colonial American woods.
- Oak: From the Middle Ages to the 1800s, oak was the most prevalent wood used in furniture making.
- Walnut and Mahogany: Walnut and mahogany gained popularity in the late 1600s.
- American hardwoods: In the early 1600s and 1700s, colonial American furniture was crafted from hardwoods such as oak, walnut, birch, and maple. This tradition continued for centuries.
- Mahogany: Mahogany became a favored choice in the mid-1700s and remained popular in both England and America through the mid-1800s.
3.2. Identify the Finish
The finish applied to a wooden rocking chair serves not only to protect the wood but also to enhance its appearance. The type of finish used can provide valuable insights into the age of your chair.
- Shellac: Furniture made before 1860 typically features a shellac finish. Shellac in good condition exhibits a deep, glossy shine and is applied in thin layers.
- Lacquer and Varnish: Lacquer and varnish were not developed until the mid-1800s. Lacquer, when well-preserved, is less shiny than shellac and is applied in a much thicker coat.
- Old Varnish: Old varnish often begins to flake off, making it easily identifiable.
- Oil, Wax, and Milk Paint Finishes: These finishes are indicative of very old age. A light shine and visible clumps of wax suggest a wax finish.
3.3. Identify How the Chair Was Produced
Examining the construction of your rocking chair can reveal whether it was handmade or machine-made.
- Handmade: If matching elements, such as the armrests or rockers, show slight size differences, it indicates they were handmade. Handmade joints are typically made using glue and pegs, giving them a rougher appearance. Early nails are square and imperfect, suggesting the chair is a true antique.
- Machine-made: Modern joints will look clean and smooth. Machine-made nails and screws were not produced until the mid-1800s, so their presence can indicate a more recent origin.
3.4. Recognize Upholstered Rockers
Leather, silk damask, and wool moreen were commonly used as upholstery materials. Upholstered rockers became popular during the Victorian era, thanks to the mass production of fabrics and the invention of coil springs. Upholstered rockers are sometimes referred to as Lincoln rockers, as President Abraham Lincoln was sitting in one when he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre.
4. Exploring the Styles of Antique Rocking Chairs
Identifying the style of your antique rocking chair is crucial in determining its age and value. The style can provide clues about the manufacturer, even if there is no maker’s mark or tag. Explore the characteristics of the most common and popular antique rocking chair types to help identify your piece.
4.1. Bentwood Rocker
Bentwood wooden rocking chair
The bentwood Thonet rocking chair was introduced in the mid-1800s in Austria by Michael Thonet and the Thonet Brothers Manufacturers. There were many variations on this chair design, but it was always made with steamed beech wood bent into a variety of swirls. Thonet rockers are lightweight and often feature cane seats and backs. In good condition, they sell for about $100 to $250 depending on the style.
4.2. Boston Rocker
Boston Rocker Chair
Despite the name, Boston rockers were actually made in Connecticut. Boston rockers were traditionally made of oak and pine, painted black, and embellished with fruit and flower designs. They have a scrolled seat, spindled back, and a rolling headpiece. The Boston rocker was most popular from 1830 to 1890, and Lambert Hitchcock was one of the premier manufacturers. Depending on the condition and the exact style, these are worth anywhere from $250 to $750.
4.3. Folding Rocking Chair
Vintage Folding Rocking Chair
Folding rocking chairs were popular starting in the 1870s. They come in a variety of styles but are recognized by their ability to fold the back down to the seat. Folding rocking chairs sell for around $100-$200, depending on the style and age.
4.4. Jenny Lind Children’s Rocker
Jenny Lind Children
Jenny Lind furniture was named after a popular Swedish opera singer in the late 1850s. More accurately known as spool-turned, the style is easy to identify by the turned spindles on the back, legs, and crossbars. This Jenny Lind style of rocking chair is often used for baby and children’s furniture. Sellers often ask less than $100, so you can assume these aren’t very valuable.
4.5. Ladderback Rocker
Ladderback wooden rocking chairs
The classic ladderback rocker is what many people think of when they think of a country rocking chair. It is easy to recognize with its tall back and horizontal slat design. Values vary based on style, age, and condition, but these often sell for under $100.
4.6. Mission Style Rockers
Mission style rocking chair
Mission rockers usually had upholstered seats and sturdy backs and arms. The Mission style is simple, squared off, and squat. They were simple yet elegant, made without carving or decoration. You will often see a Mission rocker with leather upholstery. This is a very masculine style of chair and is fabulous in an Arts and Crafts style home. A Charles Stickley mission-style rocking chair is more valuable than other brands, but this type of rocker ranges in value from about $150 to $1,000 or more.
4.7. Platform Rockers
Platform Rocker
Platform rockers are chairs that have seats that rock while the base remains stationary. These solved several problems of the regular rocker, including the chair creeping across the floor as it was rocked. It had springs that allowed movement. Similar to the platform rocker is the glider rocker, patented in 1888. Platform rockers like a Dexter chair are only worth about $125 to $275.
4.8. Pressed Back Rocker
Pressed back rocking chair
The pressed back rocking chair was part of the colonial revival style that lasted from about 1870-1920. You can easily identify this style by the raised design of the wood on the back. Beware of reproductions, as this style became popular again in the 1980s. Originals can be valuable, though, often selling for $250 to $500.
4.9. Sewing Rocker
Antique Sewing Rocking Chair
This small chair is a ladies’ sewing rocker, sometimes called a nursing rocker or slipper rocking chair. The chair is always bigger than child-size but smaller than a full-size rocker would be. The lack of arms allowed the lady of the house to easily nurse an infant or sew a shirt while she rocked. These are utilitarian chairs, usually simple and made from pine. A sewing rocker in good condition can sell for between $50 and $150.
4.10. Wicker Rocking Chair
Wicker rocking chair
You might come across the term synthetic fibers when looking into antique wicker rocking chairs. Wicker has been used since Roman times to create furniture and was popular as early as the middle of the 1700s in the United States. Victorians perfected the design and loved wicker because it allowed them to have all the scrollwork and details their hearts desired. It is also important to take notice of the designs woven into wicker rocking chairs. For instance, star-shaped or heart-shaped patterns, as well as figures such as boats, make them more desirable. Wicker rocking chairs that are genuine antiques can be worth $50 to $350.
4.11. Windsor Rocking Chair
Windsor Rocking Chair
From the early 1700s to the early 1800s, Windsor chairs were in widespread use in rural parts of England. They were known as garden chairs. They were introduced to America in the 1720s. Originally, they were made by attaching rockers to a standard Windsor chair. Windsor rocking chairs have spindles running down their backs and armrests, and if they have rockers, their legs are fitted into them. The Windsor style was used by many manufacturers, so values vary from around $100 for a standard chair to about $700 for those from high-end manufacturers.
5. Seeking Professional Guidance on Rocking Chair Valuation
If you believe you have a valuable antique rocking chair, seeking professional advice can provide more in-depth information and an accurate assessment.
Antique furniture appraisals from chair experts or experts in the specific style of furniture are the best approach. Local auction houses and antique stores are excellent places to find an appraiser, but you can also obtain free antiques appraisals online through expert websites and marketplaces. Remember to compare chairs of similar style, materials, and condition to get an accurate estimate.
6. Essential Care Tips for Preserving Your Antique Rocking Chair
Whether your antique rocking chair is a recent find or a cherished family heirloom, proper care is essential to maintaining its beauty and value.
- Keep the chairs out of direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the chairs out of wet and damp conditions.
- Wipe down your chairs with a microfiber cloth weekly to remove dust and debris.
- Nourish your chairs with good wood oil and polish every few weeks, depending on use.
7. Embracing the Rich History of Your Rocking Chair
Rocking chairs represent more than just furniture; they are a part of our history, particularly in America. From soothing babies to providing a relaxing spot on the porch, they hold a special place in our lives. Identifying your old rocking chair might be challenging, but it’s a journey worth undertaking to connect with its history.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Antique Rocking Chairs
8.1. How can I tell if my rocking chair is an antique?
Examine the materials, construction, style, and any maker’s marks. Antique chairs often feature specific types of wood, handmade joints, and distinctive designs.
8.2. Where can I find the manufacturer’s mark on my rocking chair?
Look on the underside of the seat, the back of the chair back, or on a spindle.
8.3. What types of wood were commonly used in antique rocking chairs?
Oak, walnut, mahogany, birch, and maple were commonly used in antique rocking chairs.
8.4. How does the finish on a rocking chair indicate its age?
Shellac was used before 1860, while lacquer and varnish came into use later. Oil, wax, and milk paint finishes indicate very old age.
8.5. What are the characteristics of a handmade rocking chair?
Slight size differences in matching elements, rougher joints made with glue and pegs, and square, imperfect nails are signs of a handmade chair.
8.6. What is a Boston rocker?
Despite the name, Boston rockers were made in Connecticut and are characterized by oak and pine construction, black paint, fruit and flower designs, a scrolled seat, and a spindled back.
8.7. What is a Jenny Lind rocking chair?
Jenny Lind furniture, named after a Swedish opera singer, features turned spindles on the back, legs, and crossbars. These are often used for children’s furniture.
8.8. What is a Mission style rocker?
Mission rockers are simple, squared off, and sturdy, often with leather upholstery. They lack carving or decoration and are considered a masculine style.
8.9. How do I care for my antique rocking chair?
Keep it out of direct sunlight and damp conditions, wipe it down weekly, and nourish it with wood oil and polish as needed.
8.10. Where can I get my antique rocking chair appraised?
Consult local auction houses, antique stores, or online appraisal services for expert valuation.
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