Victorian Furniture

Help me identify these chairs please.

Started by Fraziercrew · November 22, 2008 · 4 posts · 3 images

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Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started November 22, 2008 by Fraziercrew · 4 posts, 3 image attachments · discussion in 2008.

Hi! I'm new here. I have recently found these chairs in my grandfather's shed. I don't know anything about antiques. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about these. Any information would be very appreciated. Thanks!! Click the link below to view the pics. Chairs

Hi! I'm new here. I have recently found these chairs in my grandfather's shed. I don't know anything about antiques. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about these. Any information would be very appreciated. Thanks!! Click the link below to view the pics.
Chairs
I can help you with the first one.  It is either made by M & H Schrenkeisen or John Jelliff.

The first image below is your chair incisings imposed over a chair in the Bybee Collection (attributed to Schrenkeisen).  I put some yellow color in them since it has worn away over the years on your chair.  The similarities are fairly numerous, down to the bellflowers and arm carving.  See another one at the Met, here.

The next image is of a chair owned by the Newark Musem that shows the curved arm support such as the one on your chair.  The incising is again like yours (picture 3).  The museum attributes it to John Jelliff.

More on this conundrum here and here.
Attachment from “Help me identify these chairs please.”
Attachment from “Help me identify these chairs please.”
Attachment from “Help me identify these chairs please.”
Attachment from “Help me identify these chairs please.”
Untitled 12 — Help me identify these chairs please.
Untitled 12 — Help me identify these chairs please.
Chair #2 is a "shell back" chair from around late 1860s to early 1870s.  The basic style is documented in "Designs for Chairs" by Quetin in Le Magasin de meubles no. 17.  It is an adaptation of the Louis XV style.  Maker for yours is unknown.
GREAT FIND! I just love stories like this, finding noted cabinetmaker's work in grandad's shed. Very good pic's as well.