Victorian chair from ca. 1900
A Victorian chair, tobacco colored velvet upholstery (reupholstered in same color as original in 1999 since the original saw/hey was starting to sag on the seat cushion). Wood is golden oak, no scratches. Carvings on the top of the back in two places, and also on the wood piece that connects the back to the seat. The back has 11 bottons (6 on top and 5 below). The front legs curved and carved, the back legs not.
Height from floor to top to the back 37", Width of back (at its widest) 20 ½", Width of seat (at its widest) 23", Depth of seat 22", Height from floor to top of seat 14"
Inherited
Yes
Hi Erla,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
A slipper chair is a type of low, armless upholstered chair that was originally designed for use in bedrooms, dressing rooms and parlors in the 18th and 19th centuries. The lack of arms accommodated wide hoop skirts and made it easier to slip into and out of, especially useful when dressing (hence the name). They are usually closer to the ground than standard chairs, as indicated by the 14-inch seat height.
This may have been part of a much larger set that might have included armchairs, settees and sofas as well as higher side chairs.
The market for Victorian seating furniture is pretty soft at the moment - other individual chairs of similar size and age that have come up at auction in recent months and years rarely exceed $200 fair market prices. Note that private sellers and dealers might ask higher prices for ones they are selling.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Victorian carved walnut slipper chair
American, probably 1865-1885
The rounded relief-carved back with tufted tobacco-colored velvet upholstered over a circular tobacco-colored velvet upholstered seat with shaped returns, raised on short cabriole legs, the front legs carved. Unmarked.
Overall height: 37 inches; seat height: 14 inches; greatest width (seat): 23 inches; depth: 22 inches
CONDITION: Reupholstered
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 100-200*
*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
