Hi Carrie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This is a George III style mahogany or walnut library chair from probably the late 19th or early 20th Century; it models similar chairs made in the late 18th and early 19th Century but I can tell it's not "of the period" because the side stretchers do not sit flush with the outer sides of the legs.

The form flourished in England (and in America) in the mid 18th Century and is similar in form to the American "Lolling Chair", which had a raked back, broad proportions and was meant for comfort rather than chairs with wooden backs and/or seats.

The pierced stretcher is a quintessentially British element - it was not replicated in the US in the late 18th Century.

The upholstery is probably original under that black dustcloth; springs, twine and burlap were common upholstery materials/methods in the late 19th Century.

If the upholstery is in good condition and there are no breaks or repairs to the legs, this would likely sell at auction between $300 and $500; it's worth noting that some antiques dealers would almost certainly price comparable ones at higher prices in the range of around $1,000. If you're thinking of selling this, that would be a good starting price so you can be competitive and not risk underselling this.

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

An antique George III style carved walnut library armchair
in the British style, late 19th/early 20th Century
With serpentine crest and trapezoidal seat over-the-rail upholstered with orange velvet with brass tack rim, carved arms and serpentine arm supports, raised on molded legs joined by a pierced H-stretcher.
Height: 36 inches; width: 24 inches; depth: 26 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition with minor wear commensurate to age
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a secondhand store
$300-500*
*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