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 "Lollipop" platform rocking armchair
after 1882
With cream needlepoint upholstery to back and seat.
Approximately 48 inches high by 22 inches wide by 30 inches deep
CONDITION: This rocker appears to be in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 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