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Author Topic: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair  (Read 4507 times)

architectonik

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I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« on: November 18, 2015, 09:13:15 pm »
Hey Everyone,

Need some insight and information of this unique doweled chair.

Sticker underneath seat I believe reads "I.H. Wisler and Sons"

from Philadelphia

Is it worth anything? ::)

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/atq/5262872124.html
Thank you in advance
« Last Edit: November 19, 2015, 05:09:30 am by architectonik »
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KC

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2015, 11:22:45 pm »
According to an ad they had in The Official Programme of the Framing Of The Constitution of the United States, Sept 15 - 16 - 17, 1887,  they tout that they "have" over 648 styles of chairs!  In the article below they have over 1,000 chairs.  BUT I am not sure that they actually made it.  From all the information I find on them they sold them but didn't have a manufacturing company listed.

Am I seeing correctly that it has a wire tension built into it?

History of the Company
https://books.google.com/books?id=cggUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA623&lpg=PA623&dq=I+H+Wisler+%26+Sons,+philadelphia&source=bl&ots=MzugL86uak&sig=HAnt_dCFTNpVrReNaPYLxomGRpc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAGoVChMIo7SN496byQIVTEUmCh2yMQ0L#v=onepage&q=I%20H%20Wisler%20%26%20Sons%2C%20philadelphia&f=false
« Last Edit: November 19, 2015, 10:25:58 am by KC »
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architectonik

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2015, 05:02:23 am »
Thank you KC, I will have to check out that link later this morning and yes that is a wire tension built into it. It's part of why I find this chair so unique but want to get some info on it from you all and gauge how "unique" it really is.  8)

I will attach a link to some more photos via craigslist.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2015, 05:11:10 am by architectonik »
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architectonik

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2015, 05:08:13 am »
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ghopper1924

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2015, 06:07:55 am »
It would be worth more than $1.00 if you stripped the paint off and refinished the wood, which looks nice on the underside of the seat. I still don't see that it would be worth much more than $20-$30 though.
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KC

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2015, 10:27:59 am »
If that was local to me I would probably get it just because it is a unique conversation piece!  Especially for $1!

It looks as if there are 2 holes either side of the wire on the top of the chair.  Wonder if the wire ever ran through those and over time got moved to the position it is in?!  Odd that the wire would be where a back would rub it.  Just an observation.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2015, 10:29:36 am by KC »
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architectonik

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2015, 07:57:44 pm »
Thank you all
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mart

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2015, 06:18:44 pm »
I think that wire support may be original to the chair,,although I do not see why it would have been placed there !! Someone had another Wisler chair with a similar addition !!  I think it was on "justanswer or one of the other sites !!  The expert said it was added later but the similarities were so close that I am not so sure about that !!  Haven`t had time to research further !! Lets let Jacon4 take a look at this one !! He may have heard of Wisler and can give some insight !!
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Rauville

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2015, 10:18:46 pm »
Quote from: ghopper1924 on November 19, 2015, 06:07:55 am
It would be worth more than $1.00 if you stripped the paint off and refinished the wood, which looks nice on the underside of the seat. I still don't see that it would be worth much more than $20-$30 though.

ghopper;
It's apparent from the link below that neither I nor you realize what others value their old chairs at! :o ;)
http://www.86vintage.com/products/antique-primitive-spindle-back-chair
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ghopper1924

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2015, 06:39:58 am »
I'm speechless.... ;)
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jacon4

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2015, 06:46:31 am »
Yeah, what ghopper said!

1930's american "invention" , wire tension device meant to strengthen the chair, obviously not a big hit in the market place, either then or now.
http://www.google.com/patents/US1752545
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jacon4

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2015, 06:47:45 am »
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cogar

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2015, 07:01:55 am »
Me thinks that wire was added by the owner to keep the spindles and back-brace from coming out of the seat.
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jacon4

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #13 on: November 21, 2015, 07:07:59 am »
just had a thought that is HILARIOUS! hubby buys a couple of these things because he's impressed with the design & strength of these chairs, drags them home where the ol woman points to the door and says OUT!!!! ANYWHERE BUT MY PARLOR! and they wind up in the garage or barn, never to be heard of again, until now!
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ghopper1924

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Re: I.H. Wisler and Sons Dowel Chair
« Reply #14 on: November 21, 2015, 07:35:40 am »
Good digging, Jacon! Karma for you!!

Actually, that story of yours sounds all-too plausible. :)

I do think the chairs look better "a natural."
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