Hi Logan,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

These chairs DO date from the late 19th Century but they are not made by Belter, who used laminating processes and steam to create much more elaborate seating furniture. They were usually not made as a wedding gift or to commemorate a marriage as is often thought because they do not include motifs of doves, hearts, entwined initials or other decorative elements associated with love and marriage. Rather, they are probably the last survivors of a much larger set that would have included a settee and side chairs without arms, which, if they are low to the ground, are called 'slipper chairs'.

The style of decoration on the leather is similar to that seen on Spanish and Portuguese furniture, though I'm not suggesting these were made in Spain; by the late 19th Century, international influences were pretty widespread and these could have been made by a cabinetmaker who was familiar with imported chairs.

The style of these chairs conveys a formal lifestyle most people are not interested in acquiring and comparable sets and pairs of chairs have sold at auction recently for less than $500 for the two together; when they come up individually, they usually set at auction for between $100 and $150.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Two similar Renaissance revival style carved walnut and painted leather armchairs
In the Spanish style, possibly American, late 19th Century
Each with shaped back with C-scroll notched carving, the raised leather back centering a medallion featuring a maiden surrounded by a laurel wreath, the shaped seat with floral elements, the shaped and molded arms with partial upholstery and raised on molded serpentine arms, all on short cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet.
Larger chair approximately 41-3/8 inches overall height; seat height 15-3/8 inches; width across arms: 25-1/2 inches
Smaller chair approximately 41-1/4 inches overall height, seat height 15-1/8 inches; width across arms 25-3/8 inches
CONDITION: These chairs appear to retain their original leather seats and sack-cloth webbing, underneath which are probably the original coil springs and horsehair stuffing.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a garage or yard sale
$300-500 for the two together*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia