How can you tell a real bentwood chair?
A sure way of identifying a real Thonet from around the turn of the 20th century is the presence of the company name (THONET) with a solid line underneath carved somewhere into the chair. This mark could be on the bottom of the curved arms or legs or under the seat .
What era are bentwood chairs?
All bentwood furniture, including Trent Furniture’s extensive range, derives from the first bentwood chair made by German-Austrian cabinet maker Michael Thonet in the 1850s in Vienna. The first of its kind was named the Model 14 and soon became known as the ‘chair of chairs’.
What is a Thonet chair?
A Bentwood chair is sometimes called a Thonet Chair in honor of its creator Michael Thonet. While bentwood chair were actually being made at least two centuries before Thonet was even born, he perfected the process which made the wood easier to bend and allows for mass production to begin.
How do I identify a bentwood rocker?
The back rockers curve completely around and the shorter arms are low and have a wide bentwood overlay. A 1904 rocker, with an upright seat, featured elaborate scrolls on both sides, plain curved rockers, and higher two-piece arms. The changing styles help to identify the period in which a Thonet rocker was produced.
How old are bentwood rockers?
In 1853, he founded the the Austrian company ‘Gebrueder Thonet’. Mihael Thonet received a patent in 1856 for the process of bentwood manufacturing, when he and his five sons began to produce innovative ‘bentwood’ furniture. The pieces became known for being practical, inexpensive and refined.
What wood is used for bentwood chairs?
Different types of wood can be used for making Bentwood chairs. However, beech and ash are usually the best, as they are easy to bend and never crack like other types of harder wood. The harder wood tend to crack during the process of bending.
Are bentwood chairs strong?
Once dried, the wood hardens and keeps the new shape for the rest of its life. 5. In beechwood place your trust. The other reason why the Bentwood chair is so sturdy: it is made from beechwood, a solid and durable wood that can take a lot of pressure over time.
What was significant about the No 14 chair or Thonet chair?
The No. 14 chair is the most famous chair made by the Thonet chair company. Also known as the ‘bistro chair’, it was designed by Michael Thonet and introduced in 1859, becoming the world’s first mass-produced item of furniture. It is made using bent wood (steam-bending), and the design required years to perfect.
How can you tell if a chair is antique?
One of the greatest telltale signs of a chair’s age include the markings or tags left by the manufacturer. Modern upholstered chairs may feature a tag listing both manufacturer and serial number or design name, which can be looked up on the manufacturer’s website or on collector websites.
How much are antique rockers worth?
Antique rustic rocking chairs in good condition are worth between $400—$1,600. Whether you plan on appraising your rocker to sell or just want to know the value for yourself, we recommend storing your rocking chair in a temperature controlled storage unit.