Hi Ashley,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The Murphy Chair Company was founded in 1872 by Michael J. Murphy in Detroit, Michigan, after he acquired an existing furniture firm. The operation expanded significantly over the decades, becoming one of the nation’s most prolific chair producers, designing everything from rockers to library and office chairs.

In response to Detroit’s booming auto industry and labor shortages, the company moved its manufacturing plant to Owensboro, Kentucky, in 1919, where it continued to produce chairs until approximately 1954. During this period, chairs were often marked with a metal plate reading: “Murphy, Owensboro Kentucky, Incorporated.”

Most Murphy child's rocking chairs that come to auction bring prices ranging from 150-250, though the condition of this chair is particularly nice and worth a tiny bit more.

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

A vintage walnut and leather upholstered child's rocking armchair
made by the Murphy Chair Company, Owensboro, KY, probably 1920s-40s
The rounded arched back and seat upholstered in a glazed leather with brass tack trim, the frame with flat rounded arms on baluster supports, on squared rockers.
Height of back 24”; Height of seat 11”; Width across arms: 17”; Length of Rockers: 24”
CONDITION: This chair appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 200-300*
*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