Is there a piece of furniture that evokes a sense of nostalgia and timeless charm quite like the rocking chair? For generations, the gentle rhythm of a rocking chair has been synonymous with relaxation, comfort, and home. While modern designs abound, it’s the Antique Rocking Chair that truly captures our imagination, whispering tales of bygone eras and craftsmanship passed down through time. From cozy living rooms to welcoming front porches, these chairs are more than just furniture; they are tangible links to our shared history.
Java Teak Rocking Chair
A Gentle Sway Through Time: The History of Rocking Chairs
The story of the rocking chair, as we recognize it today, begins in the early 18th century within the burgeoning colonies of America. Initially, these weren’t the refined pieces we admire now, but rather simple chairs placed upon runners. Their initial reception was lukewarm, finding early purpose primarily in mental facilities and hospitals. Here, the soothing motion was recognized for its therapeutic benefits, offering comfort and tranquility to patients.
However, it was the Shakers, a unique American religious sect renowned for their craftsmanship and minimalist design, who truly propelled the rocking chair into mainstream popularity. Their dedication to quality and functional beauty resonated with the American public, and the demand for rocking chairs began to soar.
The ensuing centuries witnessed an explosion of rocking chair styles, each reflecting the evolving tastes and regional influences of American society. The Victorian era ushered in the elegance of wicker rockers, gracing both indoor parlors and outdoor verandas. Different regions across the United States developed their own distinctive rocking chair identities. New England became synonymous with the refined Boston or Salem rocker, while the Spanish missions of California inspired the sturdy, blocky Mission style.
Portside Classic Rocking Chair
The Enduring Allure of Antique Rockers: More Than Just a Chair
Many of these historical rocking chairs have sadly been lost to time, making those surviving examples incredibly valuable and highly sought after by antique enthusiasts and collectors. What is it about these pieces that continues to captivate us?
For many, the appeal lies in the thrill of the hunt. Discovering a genuinely valuable antique rocker is a rewarding culmination of dedicated searching, each auction, flea market, or estate sale holding the potential for a treasure. The unpredictable nature of the search, the anticipation of uncovering a hidden gem, is a significant part of the attraction.
For others, owning an antique rocking chair transcends mere acquisition. It’s about possessing a tangible fragment of history, a piece to be cherished, meticulously cared for, studied, and proudly displayed. Each scratch, each imperfection tells a story, connecting the owner to generations past. These chairs are not just furniture; they are heirlooms, imbued with history and character.
Embarking on Your Antique Rocking Chair Journey: A Collector’s Guide
Stepping into the world of antique collecting, especially antique furniture, can initially feel overwhelming. The sheer volume of information and the breadth of styles can be daunting. Where does one even begin? The key is to immerse yourself in the world, learn from others, and conduct thorough research.
One of the most invaluable first steps is to connect with experienced collectors and dealers. Visit local antique shops, attend antique shows and auctions. Engage with dealers and fellow enthusiasts, ask about their beginnings, and absorb their knowledge. Building relationships within the antique community is crucial for learning the nuances of collecting.
Traditional Double Rocker
Books and online resources are indispensable tools for any aspiring collector. Your local library is a treasure trove of information, often housing comprehensive guides to antique furniture, including valuation resources that provide insights into current market prices. The internet offers an even wider spectrum of information, from online databases and collector forums to auction archives and scholarly articles.
Consider joining an antique collecting club. These clubs offer a supportive and pressure-free environment to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. In a club setting, you’ll find people driven by a genuine passion for collecting, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere where experiences and knowledge are freely shared.
Combining these resources – personal connections, literature, and community – will equip you with a solid foundation. This knowledge will not only guide your collecting journey but also help you navigate potential pitfalls, particularly the fear of overpaying for a piece that turns out to be a replica or a reproduction.
Distinguishing Authenticity: Spotting Genuine Antiques from Replicas
While outright forgeries are relatively uncommon in the antique furniture world, reproductions and replicas are prevalent and can easily be mistaken for genuine articles. Protecting yourself from misrepresentation requires a discerning eye and a foundational understanding of antique furniture characteristics.
Thorough research is your first line of defense. Before considering a purchase, dedicate time to researching the specific style and period of the rocking chair that interests you. Familiarize yourself with tell-tale construction details, such as the style of the back, legs, armrests, and joinery techniques characteristic of that era. If anything appears incongruous or inconsistent with your research, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
A meticulous visual inspection is paramount. Examine the quality of the wood, the joints, and the hardware. Remember, early American furniture makers relied on solid hardwoods and traditional joinery methods, not particle board or composite materials. Nail construction can be a surprisingly informative indicator, as nail manufacturing techniques evolved significantly over time, leaving clues about a chair’s age.
Always consider the natural aging process of wood. Over decades and centuries, wood naturally darkens and shrinks. If a rocking chair purported to be a century old exhibits wood that appears bright and new, it is highly likely a reproduction.
Navigating the Landscape of Antique Rocking Chair Styles: A Collector’s Primer
With a foundational understanding of antique collecting principles, let’s delve into some of the most sought-after styles of antique rocking chairs:
Boston and Salem Rockers: New England Elegance
Originating in New England during the mid-19th century, Boston and Salem rockers are iconic examples of American craftsmanship. Interestingly, the earlier Boston chair (without rockers) shares a name but a distinct history. The rocking chair version evolved from Windsor chair designs in the early 1800s, with designer Lambert Hitchcock playing a significant role, alongside numerous other manufacturers.
Characterized by a distinctive curved wooden seat, dipping at the front and rising at the rear, these rockers offer exceptional comfort. The armrests mirror the seat’s curvature, and the back typically features six to nine slender spindles culminating in a prominent crest rail. The back often exhibits a gentle outward bow, enhancing seating comfort. Traditionally crafted from maple wood with a pine seat, Boston rockers were frequently adorned with decorative paintings on the crest rail, often depicting fruit and floral motifs. Variations included the “little Boston rocker” (armless) and the “Salem rocker” (low-backed).
- Value Example: A 19th-century American Boston rocker, featuring grain painting, gilt stenciling, and a scenic crest rail with a rosewood-grained seat, can be valued around $750.
- Value Example: Another Boston rocker, painted brown with gold, yellow, and green floral decorations on the crest rail and featuring a large, canted seat, might be valued around $295.
When considering a Boston or Salem rocker, pay attention to the chair’s overall design and level of refinement. Some examples exhibit a more primitive construction, while others showcase gracefully shaped seats, finely turned legs, and meticulously crafted arm supports.
Rustic Rockers: Nature-Inspired Comfort
Evoking a sense of the outdoors, rustic rockers have been a staple of cabins and lodges since the early 19th century. Relatively common in the antique market, these sturdy and dependable chairs were often crafted by local artisans using readily available materials – small trees and branches. Rustic furniture makers utilized green wood, bending pliable branches into desired shapes and allowing them to dry and harden.
The rustic rocking chair style gained popularity throughout America and Canada, particularly in regions like the Adirondack Mountains, where hunting and fishing lodges were popular retreats.
- Value Example: An American rustic rocker from the late 19th or early 20th century, constructed with bent wood, a coiled back, bent arms, a splint seat and legs, and a painted surface, with minor repairs, can command a value of approximately $920.
Windsor Rockers: A Legacy of Styles
Windsor rocking chairs are among the most popular and sought-after antique rockers today. Fortunately, they are also relatively accessible in the market. However, discerning buyers should be aware that while some were originally designed as rockers, many Windsor chairs were later converted into rockers, potentially diminishing their value.
The Windsor style boasts a long and diverse history, resulting in numerous variations. The specific rocker style, often defined by the back design, dictates its name, such as Bird Cage Windsor or Comb Back Windsor rockers.
- Value Example: A Pennsylvania-made Windsor rocking chair with a comb back, mixed wood construction, a scrolled crest rail, and bulbous stretcher and arm supports can be valued around $1,275.
- Value Example: A New England Windsor rocking chair, featuring a barrel crest rail, applied scroll arms, bamboo turned supports, a shaped seat, splayed bamboo turned legs, and original reddish-brown paint with yellow pinstriping, can fetch around $1,380.
L. and J.G. Stickley Rockers: Mission Style Mastery
L. and J.G. Stickley rockers represent a significant chapter in American furniture history. The Stickley brothers, founders of the company still thriving today, rose to prominence in the early 20th century with their distinctive Mission-style furniture. Characterized by its heavy construction, solid wood, and rectilinear forms, the Mission style resonated particularly well in California, complementing the Spanish missionary architectural aesthetic.
- Value Example: An L. and J.G. Stickley rocking chair with slatted bow arms, a drop-in spring seat, and a handcrafted label can range in value from $3,000 to $4,000, depending on condition and provenance.
Charles Rohlfs Rockers: Art Nouveau Elegance
Charles Rohlfs (1853-1936) was an American furniture craftsman who masterfully blended Arts and Crafts principles with Art Nouveau ornamentation. His creations, primarily crafted from oak, are characterized by their solid construction enhanced by graceful details such as fretwork and flowing, carved motifs. Rohlfs established his Buffalo, NY workshop in 1898, which operated until 1928.
Today, a Charles Rohlfs rocking chair holds a place of honor in the Carnegie Museum of Art, a testament to his unique and influential style. Due to their handcrafted nature and exquisite workmanship, Rohlfs’ pieces were considered high-end during his time.
- Value Example: A rare Charles Rohlfs carved rocking chair, measuring 36 inches wide, marked with a carved “R” and dated 1902, can command a significant value, ranging from $12,000 to $18,000.
Arts and Crafts Rockers: A Reaction to Industrialization
The Arts and Crafts movement emerged as a response to the perceived decline in craftsmanship caused by the Industrial Revolution. Advocates like William Morris championed a return to pre-industrial craft methods, emphasizing handcrafted quality and honest design. Arts and Crafts furniture is characterized by clean lines, simple forms, solid construction, and a focus on natural materials. The movement aimed to create furniture that was both beautiful and accessible to the average person.
- Value Example: An Arts and Crafts rocking chair, constructed from oak with mortise and tenon joints, pegged construction, and an un-upholstered seat, can be valued around $354.
- Value Example: A Plail Brothers barrel rocking chair, featuring a drop-in spring seat and rail backing, though unmarked, can range in value from $1,500 to $2,500.
Shaker Furniture: Simplicity and Functionality
The Shakers, a highly influential religious community, profoundly impacted American furniture design, particularly rocking chairs. Their principles of simplicity, functionality, and quality craftsmanship are evident in their furniture. Shaker furniture, while inspired by British country furniture, evolved into a distinct style characterized by clean lines, slender forms, and ladder-back chair designs. They believed that “beauty rests on utility,” and their furniture reflects this philosophy.
Shaker designs are considered precursors to modern furniture aesthetics and remain highly popular today. When seeking a Shaker rocking chair, examine the legs; chairs intended for sale outside the community often bear metal mounts on the rear legs. Slat-back chairs are another enduring Shaker design, with reproductions being common. Authentic Shaker pieces typically exhibit subtle turning and softer edges compared to newer reproductions.
Conclusion: Rocking into the Future with the Past
While the prices of some antique rocking chairs may seem substantial, they represent not just furniture, but tangible pieces of American history and artistry. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and the enduring appeal of classic design, acquiring an antique rocker can be a deeply rewarding experience.
Embarking on the journey of antique rocking chair collecting requires time, research, and passion. However, the reward is the opportunity to own a unique piece of history that will enrich your home for generations to come.
If the world of antique collecting seems daunting, remember that every antique was once new. Investing in a high-quality, newly crafted rocking chair can be a way to create your own future heirloom. Websites like The Rocking Chair Company offer a wide selection of beautifully crafted rocking chairs in various styles, providing an accessible entry point into the world of rocking chair appreciation. Perhaps, in a century or two, your new rocking chair will become a cherished antique for future generations to discover and admire.
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