This is why I say you should go to the thrift store/consignment store/antique store often. It’s not like Pottery Barn, who can order the item for you if they are sold out. The things at the thrift store are one of a kind. If you like it, buy it, because otherwise it will be gone when you go back. I noticed the chairs when I first walked into the store.
The tag said they were French, but they didn’t look French to me. Although I’m not an expert, I do see a lot of antiques in my business. These chairs were nothing like anything I had ever seen. I did a bit of research to try to figure out what style they are. The style is similar to the American Federal style, based on the shape of the chairs, but the hand painting didn’t seem right to me.
The paint reminds me of my Pompeian style piece, CLICK HERE. Due to the hand painting, the color and the shape of the chairs, I was thinking they were from the Directorie period 1789 -1804, France. I also believe these to be original and not reproduction. Chairs this lightweight and delicate are typically the real deal. The seats are caned. The Directorie period saw a lot of square and rectangular shapes like this chair.
But then I talked to my friend Bart who’s quite the antique collector and expert. He says they are either English or American, probably from Boston. He thinks they are earlier than 1820. This was the Federal period, and they may be Sheraton style.
There were 6 in the set. They apologized that they couldn’t break up the set, but they didn’t need to. How could I be a party to that? I feel that I am taking care of a piece of history for future generations. Someone down the road is going to be so happy that this set is intact.
My next job is to fashion some plywood to put on top of the seat to protect the caning. Then I’ll make seat cushions to go on top of the plywood base. But there’s another mystery still to solve. Is the paint original or not. If it’s original, then the chairs are worth about twice as much. I’ve been examining the places where the paint has chipped off to gather some clues. This green paint color was used extensively on chairs around this time period. You can see a gray paint underneath. Based on my research, I believe this base coat to be a primer. I’ve read that the primer used at the time looked gray.
Here’s another close up of an area with chipped paint. I suspect the paint is original, but I’m not an expert.
Well the bottom line is that I am enjoying these chairs and from all accounts they were a fabulous price. I hope you find something special that makes you happy this week!
Beautiful chairs! Good on you for not walking away from them!!! And you’re right, I learned from an early age “if you like it, buy it, because it won’t be there when you go back!” 😀
They were calling my name!
How could they not?! I’m so glad you heard them! Thank you for sharing!!!
A protective coat over them would be a good idea, maybe a wax.
Cath
Wow, what an amazing find! You would have really been kicking yourself later if you passed on those beauties.♥️♥️♥️
What a find! I love them as they are. The paint chipping away adds character! I also love your dining room rug. Where did you purchase it?
Jill, I agree on the chairs! I wouldn’t dare touch the paint. The rug is the one I designed for Dash and Albert. It will be available later this month I believe.
What an amazing find!! Yes, I believe they were calling your name❤️
Enjoy!!!
So happy for you!!!! They are perfect just the way they are. I know you are going to enjoy these for years!
These chairs are so beautiful and so special. Just imagining the stories they could tell almost brings tears. I’m so glad you found them and they are perfect in your room.
Anita,
They are amazing! You scored!
What a wonderful find! I love stories like this, Anita! Congratulations on bringing these beauties home. I know you will enjoy and appreciate them.
Hi Anita:
What a find! I am green with envy! As a former antiques dealer, can I advise: DO NOT apply any wax or sealers to these chairs as you will decrease the value and not to mention, the originality, of these pieces.
They are perfect as they are, showing their use and wear. Also, if you cover the caned seats, be careful not to add glue or nail holes and this will decrease their value as well. Wood coverings can also damage the caning as it can trap moisture and this moisture can erode the caning. Actually, some of the beautiful cushioned seat coverings you have might be just the thing. The less you do, the better. I am afraid to ask how much you paid!
No worries, I won’t be adding any wax or sealers to the chairs. And the seat covers, I was speaking of is a piece of luan plywood that would sit on top of the seat when it is used. I am not going to nail or glue anything to the chairs. The question really remains – is the paint original or not. I think it is because underneath all I can see is a rough gray wash that seems to be a primer that was used. But I’m not an expert. Someone did try to touch up the chairs at some point, but I really don’t know when that happened. I just adore them! I’ve never seen anything like them before.
What a find! I am green with envy! As a former antique dealer, can I advise: DO NOT add any waxes or sealers over these chairs and they will decrease the value and originality of these chairs. They are perfect as they are showing their use and wear. Also, if you do decide to cover the caning, be careful not to use nails or glues as these will also decrease their integrity and value. Also, any wood covering over the caning could also trap moisture which would further degrade the caning. I would leave them as they are as they seem to be in great shape–just don’t let any big football players sit on them as you will cringe as they CRACK! LOL! I’m afraid to ask how much you paid!
I agree with your friend, Bart. I live in the northeast and we do see chairs similar to these from the Federal period. The painting is lovely.
BTW: just noticed the adorable acorns in one of the photos: source?
Wow! Heard you talking about these this morning on DTT, and then saw the thumbnail on The Scoop! Lovely, Anita! Such an amazing find!