Chair - Double Seated Ladderback/Wagon Seat Chair

[Ayesha]

Currently, trying to get information about location and date this chair was made. Others I've seen online are described as wagon seats. Thanks, in advance, for all possible responses. :=)

[DCMatt]

Figure 621 shows a small double chair of
the slat-back variety, the property of Mr. Dwight Blaney. Such pieces are called
wagon chairs, because they were intended to be placed in the farm wagons to
furnish seats when the wagon was to be used as a carriage. Such pieces are
fairly common throughout the country places and were probably used through a
long period, the earlier ones having large turnings in the usual manner. The
outer legs are often notched with a flat outer surface so that they will fit into the sides of the wagon.


Read more: VIII. Settees, Couches, And Sofas

DCMatt

[DCMatt]

A fine double ladder-back example having three turned back posts with ovoid
shaped finials, three sets of graduated arched beveled ladders and carved drop
scroll arms. Walnut, retaining an old or original stain and varnish surface.
In an excellent state of preservation. Probably Pennsylvania. Circa
1810.
H. 37 1/2" seat h. 16"
$4,800.

Wow! Kinda spendy! I wonder if I could put one in the back of my truck for the kids?

DCMatt

[DCMatt]

Search Google images for 'antique "wagon seat" '. I saw a dozen or so pictured.

DCMatt

[nhbenz]

It's possible that yours was once a rocker (thus not intended for the back of a wagon) as the rear legs have been shortened. The side stretchers should be parallel to the ground (no, it wasn't meant to lean back). So either a rear leg got damaged or (more commonly) a rocker broke, resulting in a "repair" that has turned this into a bit of a recliner.

[Ayesha]

Thanks everyone for your replies. All are quite helpful. I was delighted to see one as weathered as mine (DCMatt). Regarding the rocker possibility, I don't think so. When I sit in it, it's quite comfortable, and there's no leaning forward or back. I'm sure it's a wagon seat, particularly since several of the photos sent show the three connected front and back posts. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU EVERYONE.