antique rocking chair

[kq.echo.13]

mid 1700-early 1800 spindle rocker, unsure of original origins thinking of restoring any suggestions on where to start looking for restoration information or is it not even worth restoring, any info would be helpful, still researching chair.  thanks

[mart]

Where are you located ?? UK ??

[Rauville]

Have you looked it over closely for a maker's name? (George Hunzinger comes to mind.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261326017548&item=261326017548&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

[greenacres]

Nice rockers!

[KC]

Beautiful old barley twist rocking chair!  The curves on this one make it unique.

Look for any markings, unusual marks on this piece and if you find any please post a picture of them along with a description!

[kq.echo.13]

we are in Georgia, USA, thank you for all the information to continue researching the rocker.  we have been very curious as to the origins of this rocker.  we will look for any markings and keep you all posted.   

[KC]

Was just in your neck of the woods recently!  Vidalia onions!!!!!  Yummmmm!!!!

[bigwull]

The classic sweet vinegar pickling onion...Avril loves them......When Avril was pregnant, with Jamie...she went hrough jars of em....thankfully i did,nt know her at that time....

[mart]

Could be Hunzingers work but if so his would be stamped !!

[KC]

That is what I was thinking as well Mart.  He definitely marked his items.  Because he made such wonderful pieces he was copied often during that time period.  If you look at items for sell they will tout that they are Hunzingers' without any markings...Not!

Irregardless, looks like the late 1800's and a beautiful piece of work. 

If it isn't marked, another fine maker of pieces at this time were the Merklen Brothers.  They also made fine furniture!

http://rarevictorian.com/2010/12/spiral-furniture-often-not-hunzinger.html

A site I like to peruse that may be of use to you is rarevictorian!  It is full of information.  You could most likely post it on their forum for further information.  If you find out any more please let us know here!!!

[mart]

My feeling is that this is a look-a-like piece !! The spindles on top are a bit wrong and it just doesn`t look like the quality one would expect !! Thought possible it came in the 70`s with all those that shipped over but the twist on the rails is much tighter than most of those !! I would call it part of the Gothic Revival after 1860 or so !! But can`t see it well enough to be sure !! Just gives me that feeling !!

[talesofthesevenseas]

I would not restore, only reupholster. Removing the patina removes it's history and I believe in this case would devalue it, but maybe others with more furniture experience can comment on that. To me, the scuffs and bumps tell a story and the deep dark patina is more beautiful than any stain. They are functional and lovely just as they are!

[mart]

Needs that stretcher repaired but I agree on the refinishing !! On most items the original finish should be kept !!

[ejones76]

I agree with talesofthesevenseas the patina of the chairs helps in value and in looks. You might go to a antique shop near where you live they might know some one in your area that can help with repairs. That's what I did when I had to get my rocking chair re-caned.

[kq.echo.13]

we will definitely keep the original patina, we want to keep it as original as possible.  Will look into finding someone that can repair and reupholster without losing the original finish of the chair.  Thanks to all that have replied .....