Can you help a girl out?
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I’ve mentioned to you before that I like junkin.’ Whether it’s a garage sale, thrift store, antique shop – you name it, I’m there. And every now and then you find a treasure that was just meant for you. Here’s one of those…
About two years ago I bought this curved rocker at a garage sale in Charleston, S.C. for about $90. It reminded me of a rocker my grandmother once had, so I had to get it. Soon after getting home I tried unsuccessfully to find it online to rundown the history and what it might be called. I didn’t look extensively but have searched casually a couple of times but with no luck.
What I do know is that it’s solid oak and the bottom has a sticker with a man’s name from N.Y. who “Remade and Renovated” the chair with the original interior stuffing, plus a little extra, dated February 2, 1970. Anyone antique experts out there? Or do you have one of those antique specifier books handy? Or maybe you’ve seen one of these before?
I dig the curved back and craftsman style lines. And while it looks a little awkward, it’s actually quite comfortable – one of my husbands favorite spots to chill.
I enjoy finding old functional pieces that have been well loved. The wood is a little worn in places but I like it that way – it always makes me wonder about the former owners.
Who were they? Maybe it was a new mother who rocked her child to sleep, or possibly someone’s favorite place to read. Whoever sat there before I’m sure they enjoyed the rocker as much as we have and will continue to for years to come.
Is there a favorite piece of furniture you’ve had in your family for a while? Or maybe you’ve a new found treasure that you plan on keeping forever?
And if you have any info on this rocker, I’d love to hear from you!
I love, love, love that rocker. I have no information for you. I never find anything quite so lovely when I hit yard sales, thrift shops, etc. I get really sad when I think of a buffet I had in my home for years from my grandmother’s home. When we moved I had no space for it and let it go back to her home. When she passed away I didn’t think about the piece which was in her garage out back. The house sold and evidently the buffet along with it. I have pictures of it and wish I had kept it.
Can’t help with name either, but I think the chair is so neat!! Beautiful and functional, and you’re right, there is probably lots of history.
We have a gorgeous bedroom suit that belonged to my husband’s great-grandparents (in guest room). Also, we are soon to get a wrought-iron head board and foot board and mess-like bottom/frame that holds the mattress (really cool) that was his other great-grandparents. We’re going to have it worked on and painted white and it’s going in my daughter’s room.
Sorry I am not any help on the particulars of the chair, but it goes without saying that it ROCKS! Amazing find!
Hmm, I don’t know anything about that but I like it.
I’ve recently become completely addicted to junkin. I’ve always loved antique stores but not necessarily their prices. But then I found estate sales. In fact, I’m going to one today. I have such a surplus of items now that I’m planning on opening an etsy shop.
Amy,
I am Denise Birchfield’s cousin (I am assuming she knows you—since she sent me the link to this) and I do antiques appraisals. There were numerous companies that produced this type of chair—so tracking down the exact manufacturer could be a lengthy process, but I will certainly give it a shot. If you could email me the pics that you have listed (and any others that you may have) then I will begin digging.
My specialty is antique glassware—and some of my collection can be seen in the Depression glass books of Barbara & Jim Mauzy. If you ever come across glass that you need identified/valued—I can usually do that simply by seeing the piece. Other things such as furniture (of which there are literally hundreds of thousands of manufacturers) take more time.
Blessings,
Franco
I’m no help on identifying your rocker but I do love to sit in it! Can’t wait to hear what you find out. Would love to know the history of the life it led before coming to your house!
I love junkin’ myself. Great rocker! Have you looked up “barrel rocker”? Also on the website for Antiques Roadshow they have a place where you can send in a picture and someone will get back to you as to what your item is. Give it a try 🙂
In the meantime I hope that you find more great treasures’.
What a pretty piece! I love old things. We were fortunate to inherit quite a few things from my husband’s grandparents. We have and old Victrola that still works. Our entertainment stand in an old icebox that we re-purposed. I have a 1940’s Maytag washing machine in the front yard that I plant flowers in. And we have a Hoosier cabinet that I use as a desk. I love living with these old things, and I love being able to still use them. And when I look at them I’m always reminded my husband’s grandparents who were both very dear people.
Reiman Publications’ magazine,Country Woman, has a Q&A for antiques. Send picture and their experts identify & value item.
I know nothing about it, except that it is beautiful! What a treasure!
Just want you to know how beautiful your blog is… there is so much to see and do here… I just adore it.
Blessings!
Amanda
What an awesome chair! I love love love junkin’…….one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure!! I have a great friend that loves to junk as much as I do. I love finding a piece of junk and turning into a treasure! But my favorite is to find stuff really cheap and free is always good, give me enough time and I can repurpose just about anything!!
Happy Junkin’……..love your site!
How beautiful! I’ve never seen one like it. Will keep it in mind if I run across another. There is a story there… you can just tell.
Susan
It’s very beautiful and reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wrights barrel back chair that was designed for the dining table at Fallingwater in Pennsylvania…except it’s a rocker and a little “thicker”. It definitely looks Arts & Crafts to me. I’m not much help, but it would be great to know the real story behind it’s origin when you find out. Good Luck!!
This is my first visit to your blog and I LOVE it!
Oh my gosh, that is a gorgeous piece of furniture!
Gorgeous pics!! My grandma has two… not quite as lovely as yours… but I remember curling up in them as a kid. 🙂
Sorry I can’t help, but I just love this chair! What a perfect spot to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.
I don’t know anything about that rocker, other than its beautiful!! My boyfriend and I found this GORGEOUS mid century modern buffet at a garage sale. They only wanted $60 for it so we had to have it. From then on the whole dining room took on a mid century look! We found a table at an estate sale for $150. We couldn’t believe how lucky we had been! The whole room is coming together and all because of a random garage sale find!
Well this is not a answer to your question but I love junkin also. My husband and I go to the worlds largest yard sale every year. It is on highway 127 and runs from Michigan where I live all the way to gadston alabama. It is my favorite thing to do. If you like junkin that is the plave to be,
it goes the first weekend in august every year. They have a web site, 127 yard sale/
I am not sure…but research Plail Brothers Chair Co. 1906-1933 Wayland,NY. John and Joseph Plail were known for Barrel
Back chairs.
I am the great-great granddaughter of this chair craftsman. It is a Plail Brothers chair manufactured in Wayland, NY. A family operated business that employed a significant number of employees in the early 1900s. You have in your possession a treasure even our own family has not been able to its hands on. There is information available online if you search Plail Brothers Chair Company. The grandson of one of the two founders then went on to develop the Woodcroftery – also in Wayland which was known for wood salad bowls and other similar items.
Your piece is in beautiful condition. They go at auction for about $1,600. Nice find! I’m jealous!