Tonk piano stool

[Tammy363]

Hello! I am new to this forum. I recently bought a 100 year old home from an estate that included almost everything that was in it when the former owner died. I am trying to learn about antiques along the way. I have a piano stool that I'm having a devil of a time finding information on. The piano that used to live here, I believe was from the 1930-40's. This Tonk Chicago (so the plate under the seat reads) stool is all wood with a base that I cannot find anywhere. I have search Google, Live Auctioneers, eBay, Koval's price guide fro 2017 and a few museum sites. I am including a few images. I do plan to sell it but I want to make sure I have the correct information on it. I know that Tonk only made piano stools until 1950.

[KC]

Hi and welcome to the Antique Shop Forum.

You have a 5 fluted column base piano stool with adjustable seat stool. This style stool wasn't as popular as the traditional leg stools (and especially those with the claw feet).  That said, it most likely cost a bit more back in it's day to manufacture due to the structure.   It definitely appears that it has been refinished.  I cannot see it well enough to see if it has been repaired/replaced and cannot tell if it is weight bearing.

This style was made by a few other manufacturers (Lyon Healy (Chicago) here are 2 examples of theirs - notice one is a bit more ornate around the seat.) https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-victorian-adjustable-piano-1811266030
and https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/l230-antique-piano-organ-stool-lyon-23728281

It is a beautiful piece!

Here's another one that was posted awhile back that wasn't restored on etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/695951935/antique-tonk-company-swivel-piano-stool?show_sold_out_detai l=1&ref=nla_listing_details

Tonk Manufacturing Company was founded in Chicago by Max Tonk in 1873 and produced piano stools 1880 up to 1950 then added furniture to it's repertoire until it ceased in 1961. The turn plate will help identify if it was made early Tonk history or later.  Early only had Tonk Chicago cast on it whereas later ones has Tonk Chicago New York.  (History noted on Discovery Pub https://discoverypub.com/columns/csa/csa2008_07.html )

Can you post a picture of the Tonk plate please?

[mart]

Excellent KC !!  I am guessing from the styling early to mid 40`s !  Nice stool !!

[Tammy363]

Wow! That's a lot of information! Thanks so much! It is definitely strong enough to bear weight. I've sat on it confidently. I will try to get a picture of the plate and post it. I thought it looked too new to be old. How can I tell if it's been refinished?

[mart]

Look at the underside of the seat and underside of the feet ! !  Usually the edges are not as sharp as if factory finished !  Sometimes you can see small runs depending on who did the work !  However with this stool refinished or not value will not be lessened if they did a good job !  And looks like it is in good condition !