I’d like to extend a big Thank You to all that have commented on this chair. It has scratched an itch that I could not reach by myself.
The issues with this chair appear to be all cosmetic. All the joints are solid, and stable. The upholstery does not have any tears or holes, the seams appear to be tight. The foam in the cushions seems firm.
However there is some shrinkage with most of the joints. There is a crack in 3 of the 4 legs where it attaches to the “rocker”, not sure if that is the right term. There are a few dings where some of the wood may be gone, and steaming them out may not be possible, I have seen it done, but have never done it myself. The back corner joints appear to be tight, and complex, and would probably break something if an attempt was made to separate them. The cracks at the rockers might be as simple and injecting some glue and clamping. I hesitate doing the same to the corner joints since it might loosen the joint and open up a real can of worms.
I am also reluctant to use any filler just for cosmetic purposes. As tktoo2 put it “It’s part of the chairs history and makes it unique.” Speaking of which, I suppose many of you with vintage furniture have wondered what sort of things have they gone through, good, bad & ugly. I wonder what sort of neglect, and misuse has this chair gone through to reach me. It’s a credit to the designer(s) and the craftsmen that it has survived this well.
The easiest thing to do, and maybe the prudent thing to do, is give the chair a light sanding, and apply some oil, and call it good. But I sure like that print below.
I realize some of these things may go beyond the scope of this forum, but I welcome all opinions. Once again, Thank You.
Richard
Pictures to follow.
The biggest problem with the upholstery is that it is faded. I am not sure if is original. I have seen a few that are orange. The seam placement is right. But the few that I have seen have been open on the bottom of the seat exposing the springs. But I have no way of knowing if those are original. The material seems to be wool, which I have read may have been used. I also read tweed was used. I guess I have a few options here. Leave them as is. Take the covers off and re-dye them orange. Reupholster over the existing covers or strip the old ones off and reupholster.
If I were to reupholster the chair I would love to find this print if the fabric is durable. This print appears to be like the prints the Hawaiians like to use, reverse print. This more muted & colorful looks appropriate, at least in California. I love Hawaiian shirts, but reverse prints on shirts… let’s just say I think they look better on the inside.
Just one more thing. I have been watching this guy in Minnesota that has been very fascinating, and educational to watch if you are into repairing, and refinishing furniture.
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