Antiques or reproductions?

Bought this set of parlor chairs that I think make beautiful dining chairs. I just can't tell if they're old or "new old". I really don't want to disassemble them, but I can tell you they have black horsehair stuffing, with rather large metal springs compressed by what looks like wide burlap strips along the underside of the seat portion. Small curved (and blued--don't understand the necessity of blued nails) nails hold the upholstery taut, but the lace trim looks to be glued (possible that they have been reupholstered). The woodwork appears hand-carved due to slight imperfections and malaligned notching. Not so much interested in value, but I really want to know a little more about potential origins and details of the furniture. Any help that can be rendered would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Trying to post pictures... and feeling really dumb haha

 

Mid-Victorian walnut would be my best guess. The upholstery has been replaced at least once. Brad may know more about them.

 

Oh my, thank you so much for your quick response! I appreciate your input! I've always loved antique items and really like to learn about the history and unique story of each piece. Sometimes it can be so hard tracking down the details, so any info-even an educated guess-is fantastic! Thanks again

 

Well it has roller wheels but designs look like they were "burned in" by hand as they are not symmetrical (the same shape). Wood carvers would actually make a uniformed pattern.
It screams "Not Original", as the roller wooden feet would be worn wood (and the hole through them would probably be elongated and loose) and showing the original color of the wood used from years of use. And the metal roller fixtures would have an aged patina, not pretty black. Plus I always see a "flash" from the camera showing up on the finish as a refinished piece or newer piece of furniture.

If an older piece then somebody definitely refurbished it.

 

Your description of the springs sounds like coil and web construction, a labor intensive method that was used extensively in Victorian times and reserved for fine furniture today. Coupled with the horsehair padding, it seems to me that these chairs would be considered re-upholstered Victorian chairs.

 

Possibly Eastlake, 1870-1890.
http://antiques.about.com/od/furniture/ss/aa062706.htm#showall

https://www.google.com/search?q=Eas...sVQKHSyiBzAQ_AUICSgC&biw=1280&bih=513&dpr=1.5

--- Susan

 

Looks close but not a match!

 

The arms and the legs look more like ~ 1970s to me.

 

About 1875 give or take and the style is renaissance revival. Wood is walnut with walnut burl accents. These have been refinished at some point.

 

Thanks Brad

 

Thank you all so much for the input! I appreciate it