Featured eastlake armchair

Please help me identify these chars.

Eastlake arm chairs by Mike Wolo posted Jun 6, 2024 at 9:17 AM

 

This is not Eastlake, but rather Renaissance Revival, walnut, ca.1865-75. Even better, it’s an armchair that was likely made in the shop of John Jelliff of Newark, New Jersey, one of the country’s most high end cabinet makers. It might also be by the New York firm of Pottier & Stymus, also a high-end maker.

Advertised on eBay, I would expect to see a price of $500-$1500 or so.

 

Is that its pair in the background?

Debora

 

Looks like it. X 2 Even better if it’s a whole parlor set, ie sofa, side chairs etc!

 

What would the original upholstery have looked like, @Ghopper1924?

Debora

 

The back and area underneath the arms would likely have been tufted. The color might have been maroon, brown or green. The fabric may have been damask.

 

Ah, damask. That fancy. I know tastes change and it's for the best when old pieces are used in later decors but... removing tufting really distracts from a chair's personality. IMHO.

Debora

 

Agree. The entire presentation was carefully considered. It sad that there is so often a lack of skill in recreating some of the best craftsmanship of the past.

 

yes it is

 

Lovely, they're lovely. Thank you, @Ghopper1924 for the information.

Debora

 

I am a novice and have no idea what to do with these chairs. I would love to sell them but have no idea of their worth. Is there a way to authenticate the manufacturer?

Mike

 

only if the chair has markings underneath..imo

 

I already gave you an opinion as to their worth. Of course, that also depends on your location and other factors, which is why we are not an appraisal site. Some of us render opinions on that, nothing more.
Fortunately for you, the masks employed on your chairs, as well as the general richness of the execution, point to the two manufacturers I listed above. Any dealer or buyer that’s well familiar with Victorian furniture will recognize them.

 

Thank you. Just looking for a good home for these two works of art.

Mike

 

You could consign them to a reputable auction house.

Debora