Antique Bow-Back Windsor Side Chair

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Description

This antique Bow-Back Windsor Side Chai is a timeless and highly popular style of early American seating. It is "Bow-Back" … Read more This antique Bow-Back Windsor Side Chai is a timeless and highly popular style of early American seating. It is "Bow-Back" because of its arched, continuous steam-bent top rail forms a hoop that holds the upright back spindles.

Notches and rings are carved into the legs, stretchers, and back spindles simulate the natural look of bamboo stalks. This design choice was incredibly trendy in American furniture from the very late 18th century into the early 19th century (circa 1795–1820). The saddle seat features a deeply scooped, contoured plank designed for comfort.

Although there are no maker's markings or brand stamps on the chair, there are several fetures that show this chair to be from the true "antique period (around 1800). First, under the seat there are hand-wedged tenons. The leg tips pierce all the way through the seat, and are split with a wooden wedge to lock them in place. (See the close-up photograph.)

Also, chairs from the true antique period are mixed with different woods. See the photograph of the bottom of the seat. See less