Are you curious about the age of that rocking chair you found? How Can You Tell How Old A Rocking Chair Is? Rocking chairs are more than just furniture and at rockscapes.net, we provide you with expert tips that can make you quickly identify a rocking chair’s age. Determining the age of a rocking chair involves looking at several features like the style, materials, manufacturer’s markings and construction techniques. To determine the exact age, consider consulting antique specialists. LSI keywords in this article are antique furniture, vintage chairs, and historical valuation.
1. Examining Rocking Chair Styles and Their Eras
Different rocking chair styles were prominent in specific periods. Recognizing these styles can offer clues about the chair’s age.
- Bentwood Rocker: These chairs became popular in the mid-1800s and were produced by Michael Thonet in Austria. Look for beech wood bent into swirls, and cane seats and backs. These chairs can be worth $100 to $250, and a reference for the materials used can be found in the Bentwood Thonet rocking chair.
Bentwood wooden rocking chair
- Boston Rocker: Despite the name, Boston rockers were made in Connecticut. These chairs, painted black and decorated with fruit and flower designs, were popular from 1830 to 1890. They typically fetch between $250 and $750.
Boston Rocker Chair
- Folding Rocking Chair: Common from the 1870s, these chairs are identifiable by their folding backs. They generally sell for around $100-$200, and Vintage Folding Rocking Chair is great to compare against.
Vintage Folding Rocking Chair
- Jenny Lind Children’s Rocker: Named after the Swedish opera singer, these chairs feature turned spindles and were popular in the late 1850s. They typically sell for less than $100.
Jenny Lind Children
- Ladderback Rocker: Characterized by a tall back with horizontal slats, ladderback rockers evoke a country style and often sell for under $100.
Ladderback wooden rocking chairs
- Mission Style Rockers: Featuring upholstered seats and sturdy backs and arms, Mission rockers have a simple, squared-off design. A Charles Stickley mission-style rocking chair can range from $150 to $1,000 or more.
Mission style rocking chair
- Platform Rockers: These chairs have seats that rock while the base remains stationary, which solved the issue of chairs creeping across the floor. Dexter chairs are a type of platform rocker worth about $125 to $275.
Platform Rocker
- Pressed Back Rocker: Part of the colonial revival style from 1870-1920, these chairs have raised designs on the back. Originals can sell for $250 to $500.
Pressed back rocking chair
- Sewing Rocker: Also known as nursing or slipper rocking chairs, these small, armless chairs were used by women for sewing or nursing. They can sell for $50 to $150.
Antique Sewing Rocking Chair
- Wicker Rocking Chair: Popular since the mid-1700s, these chairs were perfected during the Victorian era. Genuine antique wicker rocking chairs can be worth $50 to $350.
Wicker rocking chair
- Windsor Rocking Chair: Used in rural England in the early 1700s and introduced to America in the 1720s, Windsor chairs have spindles running down their backs and armrests. Values vary from around $100 to about $700.
Windsor Rocking Chair
2. How Do You Find the Manufacturer’s Mark On a Rocking Chair?
Finding the manufacturer’s mark on a rocking chair can provide essential information about its origins and age.
2.1. What Types of Marks Should You Look For?
Look for various types of markings, including labels with information written in pencil or pen, branded or stamped maker’s marks, or any combination of letters and numbers. These marks might include the company name or the year the chair was made.
2.2. Where Should You Look for the Mark?
The manufacturer’s mark is most often found on the underside of the chair’s seat. It can also be located on the back of the chair back or on a spindle. Inspect the entire chair if you don’t find a mark in these places, but be aware that the tag might be missing altogether.
3. Identifying Age Through Materials & Production
The materials used and how the chair was produced can offer significant clues about its age.
3.1. How to Identify the Wood Type Used?
Wood is the most common material for old rocking chairs because plastic wasn’t invented yet. The type of wood can be an important clue. Traditional English or Colonial American styles are common.
- Oak was most common until the 1800s.
- Walnut and mahogany became popular in the late 1600s.
- Colonial American furniture in the 1600s and 1700s used hardwoods like oak, walnut, birch, and maple.
- Mahogany was popular in England and America from the mid-1700s through the mid-1800s.
3.2. What Can the Finish Tell You About the Age of the Rocking Chair?
The finish on a wooden rocking chair can also indicate its age.
- Furniture made before 1860 typically has a shellac finish, which is glossy and applied in thin layers.
- Lacquer and varnish were invented in the mid-1800s. Lacquer is less shiny than shellac and applied thicker.
- Old varnish often flakes off.
- Oil, wax, and milk paint finishes indicate very old age. A light shine and visible wax clumps mean it has a wax finish.
3.3. How Was the Chair Produced, Handmade or Machine-made?
Examining the wood and joints can help determine if the chair was handmade or machine-made.
- Slight size differences in matching elements indicate handmade construction.
- Handmade joints use glue and pegs, giving them a rougher look, while modern joints are clean and smooth.
- Early nails are square and imperfect.
- Machine-made nails and screws were not made until the mid-1800s.
3.4. What Were the Upholstery Materials Used?
Leather, silk damask, and wool moreen were the main upholstery materials used. Upholstered rockers were popular during the Victorian era due to mass-produced fabrics and coil springs. These are sometimes called Lincoln rockers.
4. How to Assess the Rocking Chair’s Condition
The condition of the rocking chair plays a crucial role in determining its age and value.
4.1. Structural Integrity
Examine the structural integrity of the chair. Check for loose joints, cracks, or signs of significant wear and tear. Older chairs often show more wear, but significant damage can decrease their value.
4.2. Originality of Parts
Assess whether the parts are original. Replacement parts can affect the chair’s value and age assessment. Look for consistency in materials, finish, and construction techniques.
4.3. Evidence of Repairs
Look for evidence of repairs or modifications. Older repairs might indicate an antique piece, while newer repairs could suggest a more recent origin.
5. Understanding Antique Rocking Chair Values
Knowing the value ranges for different styles can guide you in identifying your chair.
5.1. Value Ranges by Style
Here are typical value ranges for different styles of antique rocking chairs:
| Rocking Chair Style | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|
| Bentwood rocker | $100 to $250 |
| Boston rocker | $250 to $750 |
| Folding rocker | $100 to $200 |
| Jenny Lind children’s rocker | Under $100 |
| Ladderback rocker | Under $100 |
| Mission rocking chair | $150 to $1,000+ |
| Platform rocker | $125 to $275 |
| Press back rocker | $250 to $500 |
| Sewing rocker | $50 to $150 |
| Wicker rocker | $50 to $350 |
| Windsor rocking chair | $100 to $700 |
5.2. Factors Affecting Value
Several factors influence the value of an antique rocking chair:
- Condition: Chairs in excellent condition are worth more.
- Rarity: Rare styles or models command higher prices.
- Manufacturer: Chairs from well-known makers like Charles Stickley are more valuable.
- Originality: Original finishes and parts increase value.
- Demand: Current market demand for specific styles influences prices.
6. The Role of Wood in Determining Age
The type of wood used in a rocking chair’s construction offers insights into its age, since different types of wood were favored during certain periods.
6.1. Types of Wood and Their Eras
- Oak: From the Middle Ages to the 1800s, oak was a staple in furniture making, offering durability and strength.
- Walnut: Becoming fashionable in Europe in the late 1600s, walnut was favored for its rich color and fine grain, though its popularity waned in the mid-1700s.
- Mahogany: This wood gained traction in the mid-1700s in England and America, prized for its durability and luxurious appearance through the mid-1800s.
- American Hardwoods: Colonial American furniture (early 1600s and 1700s) often featured hardwoods like oak, walnut, birch, and maple, showcasing local resources.
6.2. Identifying Wood Types
Visually inspecting the wood grain, color, and density can aid in identification. For example, oak features a distinctive, open grain, while mahogany has a smoother, finer texture.
6.3. Wood and Geographical Context
The geographical origin of the wood can provide clues. For instance, colonial American furniture is likely crafted from locally sourced hardwoods.
7. Understanding Original Finishes and Their Significance
The finish on a rocking chair not only protects the wood but also serves as a time capsule, indicating when it was made.
7.1. Common Types of Finishes
- Shellac: Predominant before 1860, shellac provides a glossy, deep shine when applied in thin layers.
- Lacquer and Varnish: Invented in the mid-1800s, lacquer is less shiny than shellac and applied more thickly, while old varnish tends to flake off.
- Oil, Wax, and Milk Paint: These finishes are indicators of very old age, with wax finishes showing a light shine and visible clumps.
7.2. Application Techniques
The method of finish application can also offer clues. Shellac, for example, was typically applied in thin, even layers using a brush or pad.
7.3. Recognizing Original Finishes
Original finishes often show signs of wear consistent with age, such as subtle crazing or patina. However, care should be taken not to confuse natural aging with damage caused by improper cleaning or refinishing.
8. Joinery Techniques: A Window into the Past
The joinery techniques used in the construction of a rocking chair can provide insights into whether it was handmade or machine-made, which can help determine its age.
8.1. Handmade vs. Machine-Made Joints
- Handmade Joints: These typically have a rougher appearance, with glue and pegs used to hold the pieces together.
- Machine-Made Joints: In contrast, machine-made joints are clean and smooth, often utilizing screws or dowels for assembly.
8.2. Nail and Screw Analysis
- Early Nails: Characterized by their square shape and imperfect appearance, these nails are indicative of older construction methods.
- Machine-Made Nails and Screws: These were not produced until the mid-1800s, so their presence suggests a more recent origin.
8.3. Matching Elements
Slight size differences in matching elements, such as armrests or rockers, often indicate handmade construction, as each piece was crafted individually.
9. The Mystery of Upholstery Materials
Upholstery materials and techniques used in rocking chairs can offer clues about their age and style.
9.1. Common Upholstery Materials
- Leather, Silk Damask, and Wool Moreen: These were the main upholstery materials used in earlier rocking chairs, reflecting the tastes and availability of materials at the time.
9.2. Mass Production and Coil Springs
The mass production of fabrics and the invention of coil springs in the Victorian era led to the popularity of upholstered rockers, sometimes referred to as Lincoln rockers due to President Abraham Lincoln’s association with them.
9.3. Upholstery Techniques
The way the upholstery is applied can also provide clues. Older chairs may feature hand-stitched details and natural materials like horsehair or cotton batting for padding.
10. Why You Should Seek Professional Appraisal
Consulting a professional appraiser is invaluable, and experts can provide accurate information and guidance.
10.1. Benefits of Professional Appraisals
Professional antique furniture appraisals provide detailed insights into the chair’s history, construction, and value, ensuring an accurate assessment.
10.2. Where to Find Appraisers
Local auction houses and antique stores are excellent places to find appraisers, while online platforms offer free antiques appraisals from expert websites and marketplaces.
10.3. Evaluating Chair Uniqueness
By comparing your chair to similar sales, you can gain insights into its worth, considering style, materials, and condition for an informed estimate.
11. Caring for Your Antique Rocking Chair
Proper care ensures your antique rocking chair remains in excellent condition for years to come.
11.1. Essential Maintenance Tips
- Keep chairs away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent fading and warping.
- Avoid wet and damp conditions to prevent mold and decay.
- Wipe down chairs weekly with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Nourish chairs every few weeks with good wood oil and polish, depending on use.
11.2. Handling and Storage
When moving or storing the chair, handle it with care to avoid damage. Use padding and secure straps to protect it during transport.
12. Antique Rocking Chair FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about antique rocking chairs:
12.1. What Makes a Rocking Chair an Antique?
A rocking chair is generally considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old and possesses historical or collectible value.
12.2. How Can I Tell if My Rocking Chair Is Valuable?
Check for manufacturer’s marks, unique design elements, and historical significance. Consult an appraiser for a professional assessment.
12.3. What Is the Most Valuable Type of Rocking Chair?
Rare styles from renowned manufacturers, such as Charles Stickley’s Mission-style rocking chairs, tend to be the most valuable.
12.4. How Do I Protect My Antique Rocking Chair?
Keep it out of direct sunlight and damp conditions, clean it regularly, and apply wood oil and polish as needed.
12.5. Can I Restore My Antique Rocking Chair?
Restoration can enhance the chair’s appearance, but it should be done by a professional to preserve its historical value.
12.6. What Are Common Materials Used in Antique Rocking Chairs?
Common materials include oak, walnut, mahogany, leather, silk damask, and wool moreen.
12.7. How Do I Identify a Manufacturer’s Mark?
Look for labels, stamps, or engravings on the underside of the seat, back, or spindles.
12.8. Why Is It Important to Know the History of My Rocking Chair?
Knowing the history adds to the chair’s significance and provides a deeper appreciation for its cultural and artistic value.
12.9. How Can I Find an Appraiser Near Me?
Check with local auction houses, antique stores, or search online for certified appraisers in your area.
12.10. What Is the Difference Between a Platform Rocker and a Glider Rocker?
A platform rocker has a seat that rocks on a stationary base, while a glider rocker uses a mechanism that allows the chair to glide smoothly back and forth.
Figuring out how old a rocking chair is can be an exciting journey into the past. By carefully examining its style, materials, construction, and markings, you can uncover its history and value. For expert guidance and a wealth of information on antique furniture, visit rockscapes.net today and let us help you discover the stories behind your cherished pieces. Our team at Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States, Phone: +1 (480) 965-9011 or visit our Website: rockscapes.net, is ready to assist you in exploring the fascinating world of antique rocking chairs.
