Any info on this chair would be greatly appreciated

[harris74]

This passed down chair has one arm, wooden carved beehive on one side, small metal wheels on legs. It is said to possible be from the late 1800's. Any info about this chair would be appreciated. The name of it, maker, what is was used for, ect.... Thank you!!!!

I added a closeup of the beehive. Thanks for the responses thus far.

[talesofthesevenseas]

I'm not a furniture expert so someone else should continue, but it's a bustle chair, designed for ladies wearing full skirts with bustle cages. It dates to the same period as the bustle, so late 1800's' should be just about right, but I'm sure someone with more knowledge about them can tell you a lot more. Lovely piece!!

[KC]

Proud of you tales!!!!

Can you please post a closeup of the details on the wood?

[winffup]

I tried zooming in on the symbol and, to me, it looked like this:



The picture is from a website about Irish symbolism and here is what they say about it:

 The beehive on the architecture of the Bank of America building in Baltimore Maryland. This symbol, like the pyramid, represents an orderly, hierarchical society, the neo-feudal system so beloved of the oligarchs. Around this patently Masonic symbol are oak leaves and acorns.


http://www.irishoriginsofcivilization.com/appendices/druidicsymbolism.html         
 It's way down at the bottom of the page.

[talesofthesevenseas]

KC I have such an appreciation for these chairs after having done Victorian reenactments, LOL! You have to "perch" like a bird with perfect posture at all times, or you can't breathe! Riding in the car is the worst!

These chairs are perfectly designed for bustle/corset. You can perch comfortably, arrange your skirts so that they are gracefully draped around you, lean one elbow on arm rest, bat your lashes and sip tea, and the beautifully carved chair looks oh-so-elegant behind you.  

[talesofthesevenseas]

I zoomed up and looked too- that does look like it might be traditional Scots heather and thistle motifs on either side of the beehive.

[KC]

This is more often called a bustle back bench or chair.

[sapphire]

Another one that an owner wants some advice on.....

http://www.conniesueinc.com/documents/BustleBenchandOakWallPhone.pdf



And the site owner's response (2007)

"Bustle benches sell from $385 to $500 in restored condition. You implied that the bustle
bench was a "throw-in" for buying the property. I would do nothing and sell it for anything
over $295. "

[harris74]

Thank you for the info so far, I have posted a upclose pic of the beehive. We are thinking it is from Ireland, because my mother in law family is from there.