Author Topic: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair  (Read 2790 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline JoeCB

  • Contributor
  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 286
OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« on: January 19, 2014, 10:52:54 PM »
Hello all, I'm new to this forum and just beginning to see all the interesting possibilities.
If I may be excused for a bit of an off topic question, I'm guessing that woodworking tool guys will also be woodworkers... so here goes.
The wife and I bought this real nice and unique maple rocker as a gift for son and doughter in law. The chair came from a second hand store near Dayton OH. All solid maple except for the actual rockers which are pine. No makers markings at all, but looks to be commercially made or darn good hand crafted. I did some reasearch and could not find any info, even contacted the "furniture" department at the Grand Rapids MI Museum... no info. (Grand Rapids was a major furniture manufacturing center).
Anyone ever seen a rocker like this one?

Joe  here in Farmington Michigan
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 10:59:30 PM by JoeCB »

Offline Branson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3643
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2014, 10:04:15 AM »
Haven't seen one quite like this one.  I'd guess '30s, '40s, or early '50s for age based on the design.  I am puzzled that the rockers are pine, though.  Rockers take the biggest part of the wear on a rocker, and maple would be a much better choice.

I like its looks.  You might try looking at High Point, North Carolina for more information -- that's the other major area for furniture building in the US.  Some of my ancestors were working wood in that area in the early 1800s.

Offline Lewill2

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1987
  • Bucks County PA
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2014, 10:45:25 AM »
I just took ownership of a maple kitchen/dining room set from my mother's estate. The chairs are different but they do have a carved seat very close to that chair. They bought it around 1942, it was one of their first purchases of furniture after they were married.

Offline JoeCB

  • Contributor
  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 286
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2014, 12:28:29 PM »
Branson, yes I thought that the rockers of pine were unusual. The only ideas I had on this was that with the softer wood you might have a more quiet "rock" and perhaps easier on the finish of a hardwood floor... just a guess!

Joe B

Offline scottg

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1748
    • Grandstaffworks Tools
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2014, 11:32:42 AM »
The only clue to me, as to date, are the arm supports. These have the classic flaired top look of early 1960's "ranch" style. To go with the ranch homes built then I guess.
 The block shaped legs and stretchers also go along with the style.
 I had a couch and a chair with the same general style.

   I expect it was factory made but there have been countless small furniture factories, many of which did not mark their wares.

  "Soft" rockers are exactly what you thought. Gentle on hardwood floors. Most were birch though.
   yours Scott 

Offline JoeCB

  • Contributor
  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 286
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2014, 08:20:53 PM »
Thanks guys for your thoughts. Scottg , especially... I'll pass your comments on to my daughter-in-law I'm sure that she will appreciate your insight, she has an appreciation for classic furniture.

Joe B

Offline bird

  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1084
  • Resident Rambler
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2014, 09:17:24 AM »
I would think the rockers would be out of maple--- for the same reason... they take the brunt of the load----   This is probably an obvious question....  but, there's no chance the rockers have been replaced, is there?  DO they show ware? Are the joints still a tight fit?  Have you looked into the Amish possibility--- that's in your neck of the woods, isn't it?  If not, forgive my ignorance!
cheers,
bird
Silent bidder extraordinaire!
"Aunt birdie, I think you're the best loser ever!!!!!!"

Offline johnsironsanctuary

  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1908
  • Super Contributor and Geezer in training
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2014, 09:40:49 AM »
I agree with small local furniture factory. The decorative shapes say that it is not Amish. They believed in minimal ornamentation. 40's or 50's looks right to me.
Top monkey of the monkey wrench clan

Offline JoeCB

  • Contributor
  • Contributor
  • Hero Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 286
Re: OT- woodworker opinion on a rocking chair
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2014, 11:29:14 AM »
Thanks again guys for your thoughts. the pine rockers sure seem to be original to the piece. All the joints are correct and tight and the rockers show some wear on the bottom surface.

Joe B