Featured Old armchair with caning, leather, and springs.

Very old, I think, armchair with rotting, leather, and springs. Probably from Denmark, Sweden or Germany (???). It is made of oak. At some point, pillows were made for the chair. The rear pillow is filled with straw and the seat cushion has springs. The fabric for the pillows is of recent date (1990's). I'm thinking of sewing new leather cushions.. (?) It is a simple chair, but at the same time big and pompous with rococco features.

I wonder if anyone can tell me how this chair best can be preserved ? Is there anyone who can say something about how old it can be.

Thank you for looking in to this

K Sundsfjord

 

Nursing chair. The caning looks in decent order,which helps. I'd wax the leather to get some moisture back into it. As to the cushions, old velvet might be nice. Don't ditch the innards, whatever you do!

 

Thank you I beleve by the "innards" you meen the original pillows with straw and springs? I may dissect down to the original fabric. if it's there. Any idea of timeperiod? I've been told mid 19th century, but I have no idea.

K

 

I do mean the original insides, yes. Mid 19th sounds reasonable. If you can keep the webbing, do it - the more of this you keep true, the better.

 

I'd like it with leather covers too! It does look like the caning is damaged on the sides though.

 

The inside webbing is damaged on one side. It's fine on all the other sides. Sorry bad rusty language

K

 

Yes - the inside web on one side is damaged...

 

Some questions: Do you want to use the chair? Or are you trying to preserve potential value as an original antique? If you want to preserve value, you probably won't be able to sit in it. Old webbing and leather become weak with age, and are likely to tear with continued use. Wax and other "conditioners" for leather are designed for maintenance of new leather goods, and provide mostly cosmetic effects. They will likely darken aged leather, and will be difficult to remove in the future. So, if you are trying to preserve value it would probably be best to leave the leather alone.
If you want to use the chair, a thoughtful restoration may be a better choice.

 

Tnx - It's in daily use and I will keep it that way. By new fabric on the cushiones. I'll try to cover the caning inside the chair with the same fabrics. For potetial value as an antique item? Once in the future....

 

Old leather goods like purses and belts - even in good condition - might look good temporarily, but often can't withstand the saturation and drying of conditioners.

That's my sad experience, anyhoo - welcome @Kenneth Sundsfjord Jensen !