An antique Hunzinger "Lollipop" platform rocking armchair, after 1882
25 February 2025
Description

I inherited two Hunzinger rocking chairs. Made of wood and cloth. According the the book "The Rocker" - George Hunzinger patented this design in 1882. He was regarded as the father of the platform rocker. The chairs are in good condition. They are currently in storage in New Jersey. I don't have that many photos but I also included some photos of the pages from "The Rocker." This appraisal is for the dark brown chair (left in the photo).

Dimensions

Two Hunzinger Platform Rocking Chairs 21 February 2025 Furniture Description I inherited two Hunzinger rocking chairs. Made of wood and cloth. According the the book "The Rocker" - George Hunzinger patented this design in 1882. He was regarded as the father of the platform rocker. The chairs are in good condition. They are currently in storage in New Jersey. I don't have that many photos but I also included some photos of the pages from "The Rocker." Dimensions 48"X 30"22. This is a guestimate

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 20 hours
By Delia
Feb 26, 17:46 UTC
Fair Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Suggested Asking Price $350 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Roger,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

George Jakob Hunzinger (1835–1898) was a German-born cabinetmaker who became one of 19th-century America's most innovative furniture designers. After immigrating to the United States in 1855, he established his workshop in New York City, where he secured at least 21 patents for his inventive furniture designs.

Hunzinger's furniture is characterized by bold geometric shapes and the incorporation of novel materials and mechanisms. One of his most progressive designs is a settee featuring interchangeable parts and a unique seating technique he patented in 1876, which involves weaving flat steel wire covered with a continuous woven textile into a grid pattern. Among his notable creations is the "lollipop" chair, named for its distinctive circular motifs resembling lollipops. This design reflects Hunzinger's fascination with machinery and geometric repetition.

Hunzinger's work has been recognized for its innovative approach to furniture design, blending historical influences with modern engineering concepts. His pieces are sought after by collectors and have been featured in exhibitions, such as "The Furniture of George Hunzinger: Invention and Innovation in Nineteenth-Century America" at the Brooklyn Museum.

Hunzinger's chairs are not now as prized by collectors as they once were; ones in the Lollipop design that have come to auction recently have sold for prices ranging between $300 and $500 while other designs bring less - usually between $150-300 (antiques dealers will ask more for them if they are selling them in a retail setting or antiques show).

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

An antique Hunzinger platform rocking armchair
late 19th Century
With upholstered cylindrical crest over upholstered back, with scrolled arms.
Approximately 48 inches high by 22 inches wide by 30 inches deep
CONDITION: This rocker appears to be in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 150-300*
*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

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