Savonarola chair, any info??

[hosman321]

Multiple bolts right on the front like that, that's just weird. I don't know. My gut tells me this is a modern reproduction, but what do the other members think? I don't think someone would just leave this behind for free if it were a valuable old chair. But of course, it's not unheard of.

[hosman321]

After doing some research, a lot of the really old ones used wood pegs, not bolts. Here are some reproductions, they still hand carve and age them very nicely...
http://www.oldworldfurniture.net/Available_Items/Savonarola_Chair/Savonarola_Chair.htm

table
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Antique-Style-Savonarola-Glass-Top-Table-Chair-/170554343106?pt=AU_Antique_Furniture&hash=item27b5d4bec2

http://static.wix.com/media/2846c1e19c6c9cecfc20003c5e17e788.wix_mp_256

[galaxywomun]

Yeah, I kinda came to the same conclusion.  It could be like 1920s old, but it would still decrease the value.  what i do know is that it isn't a mass produced item.  I can't find it anywhere, and that just seems odd.  and I think mort is right, it doesn't go with the furnishings in today's home.  On a side note, I just found a Holt Howard cozy kitten memo holder for 15 dollars!!  woohoo!!  I am going to stick to mid century modern collectibles.

[galaxywomun]

This one seems to have metal bolts, but not in the front.

http://www.designsandstyles.com/antique-furniture-and-collectibles/antique-furniture/antique-seating/880062-antique-italian-carved-savonarola-chair.html

[waywardangler]

  I see metal screw heads in the front of the one in the link you provided. I think your chair is probably from the 1920s like the one in the link. It is not a 15th century chair or anything in between the 15th-20th century. There is almost zero wear where wear should be if it was used at all for hundreds of years. No wear on the arms, the back, where it folds up, etc. Add all that up with slotted screw heads and it is a more recent copy of an ancient chair type. I can see where these were invented by a monk because it is probably very uncomfortable without a lower back support. As to value, it is worth what someone will pay you for it. I do not think many people are looking for a 20th century copy of a 15th century folding chair. JMO.

[talesofthesevenseas]

The bolt heads and the slots in them look mass-manufactured from what I can see, Aside from a bit of damage to the slot during tightening they look very straight and centered, unlike bolts that was individually slotted. There is some wear to the backrest where the finish has worn down on the high points of the carving from use, that's a nice sign of some amount of age. I don't see a lot of wear on the feet, but maybe it's the photos. Usually you'll see lots of scuffs from brooms, mops and vaccums over the years.

[galaxywomun]

hmmm.  i see what you are saying.  someone definitely took a lot of time making this chair.  the world may never know!!   I found another link with similar carving, I will try to find it and post it.

[galaxywomun]

http://www.designsandstyles.com/antique-italian-savonarola-rola-chair.html

[waywardangler]

That one has the three screw heads in front like yours.

[ironlord1963]

    I personnally do not think this is hand carved, appears to me to be Machine by a CNC,  Looks to consistance side to side.  I think later repo.  IMO, by no means a expert though

[mart]

I think that date is about right,, 1920 or so !!

[galaxywomun]

me too!!  yay!!  we figured it out, i think    NOW what about that table??  lol, lol.  I am starting a store on etsy, so you may see more of me here from time to time.  THANKS for helping!!!! <3

[KC]

Agree with date line.  We had questions about this type chair many years ago....  These chairs were mass made in Mexico/S America at one point....and something about this one lends me to think yours is possibly one of those.

See also old post "need help identifying chair"  « on: March 30, 2009, 05:33:17 PM »

[galaxywomun]

Thanks!  Hey KC, can you take a look at my other post???  The table was found WITH the chair, and the tribal carvings look sorta MExican like.  I can't find any info on it, and it's driving me nuts!!