Webbing and Through Tenons

Today I want to explore specific evidence that will determine if the blog chair could be an 18^th century object.

As I mentioned previously, the presence of the springs is not immediate proof that the chair was made in the 19^th century.  Chairs and sofas were often updated with the latest technology. In this case, if the chair was originally fabricated without springs, they could have been added at a later date.

I also mentioned the webbing for the blog chair was placed on the bottom of the chair seat frame.  This placement allowed for the springs to be in the cavity between the top and bottom of the seat frame.

                         Bottom of seat of blog chair.

                                   Photo by SHS

On the other hand the webbing for the Chippendale plate chair would be placed on top of the frame, leaving a void within the seat frame.

                     Upholstery construction of the Chippendale plate chair.

                            Illustration by the author.

If the blog chair has no evidence of webbing on the top side of the seat frame, this will substantiate the theory that it’s a reproduction.

Other evidence to look for would be the joinery method. If mortise and tenon  construction was used to join the seat frame together, this would point to 18^th century manufacture.  On the other hand if dowels were used to join it, this would indicate 19^th century practice.

Some interesting facts that identify 18^th century rococo chairs are mentioned by John T. Kirk in his book American Furniture. Through tenons, used primarily in Philadelphia are one aspect the blog chair does not have.  This is where the end of the tenon is visible on the back of the leg where is meets the seat. He also mentions that scroll feet are present in only a few American pieces. (10)  If this were to be an 18^th century chair, it would be very rare indeed!

                            Scroll foot from blog chair.

 

                                           Photo by SHS

As we scroll right along....

Theresa

Yummy Furniture and Design

theresamhs@sbcglobal.net

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Footnote
10. John T. Kirk, American Furniture Understanding Styles, Construction and Quality, New York, Harry N. Abrams inc., Publishers. 116-117.