From the front porch, to the living room, to many a baby’s nursery, the rocking chair has found it’s way into the American home since 1774. The story has long circulated that it was Benjamin Franklin who invented the rocking chair; however, the first tangible proof of it’s existence is found on a bill of sale from pioneer furniture maker William Savery which reads, “curved rails set onto the legs of chair, charge one shilling sixpence.”
The earliest chairs, originally called “carpet cutters” for their tendency to cut the flooring they rocked on, were not created as rockers, but rather adapted from existing chairs by notching the legs and attaching rockers to them. By the early 1800s chairs were being expressly designed and made as rocking chairs. These chairs were also often broader with some being up to three times as wide as the early “carpet cutters.” Chairs from this era were all hand made and had seats of wood or rush.
The Boston rocker was introduced in England in 1820 and made its way to the U.S. shortly after. These rockers, usually made of pine or maple, were produced for most of the 19th century. The earliest forms used a single board for the seat. Later versions, after 1840, will display a three board seat, one for the platform of the chair and two for the back and front rolls.
The highly collectible Windsor rocker, sometimes referred to as a “country rocker” or “garden chair,” originated in Connecticut in the mid-1820s They have spindles running down their backs and armrests and the legs are fitted into the rockers. Windsor-style chairs were very popular with the Founding Fathers of our country. In fact, Philadelphia is recognized as the birthplace of American Windsor and its early craftsmen created many varieties. Collectors particularly watch for early examples featuring gold paintings on the arms and back.
Shaker rockers, known for their outstanding quality, also came into popularity in the 1840′s. These well-proportioned chairs are noted for their simple design, with no carving or decorative painting. Shaker style rockers feature a ladder back with a simple filial on each side. Their woven seats may be made of leather, wool or cane. Many Shaker rockers were custom made to the specific height and weight of the customer.
The years immediately preceding the Civil War saw the introduction of the first American-made wicker rockers. These beautiful chairs were made from rattan, reed, or twisted paper fiber. Early examples will have hardwood steam-bent frames. Later styles featured a removable seat with inner-spring design, covered with fabric. Values are, in part, determined by the design on the back of the chair, with the most desirable being a heart motif or an intricate geometric design.
Victorian rockers from the late 1800s are a favorite of collectors. Rockers from this eras are often platform rockers with upholstered backs, seats and arms. Another type of stationary rocker known as a “track” rocker was introduced in the 1880s. Track rockers have four rather short canted legs and are often on porcelain or wood casters. Victorian rockers are known for their high relief carving, often featuring a human face or foliage.
Mass-produced rockers were a stock item in the American home by the early 1900s, with Sears and Roebucks leading the way in sales. Spindle and press-backed chairs were common, as were severere straight line chairs in the Mission and Arts and Crafts styles. Rockers of this era are a common garage sale find and are not yet of great value.
Watch for “authentic” rocking chairs, rather than straight chairs converted to rockers. An easy way to determine authenticity is to compare the history of paint or finish on the chair with that of the rockers. If you do not have a match, you most likely do not have an authentic rocking chair. Until next time………..Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
