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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Sedona, post: 3269763, member: 4438&quot;]Thank you, everyone. This is helpful advice. I also appreciate the ball arm chair photo. That isn’t a design element that I’ve seen a lot of, which is why this chair intrigued me. I couldn’t post higher resolution photos here, but as I mentioned its barley twists are thicker than those on other pieces I have already. I love carved wood chairs, and enjoy getting pieces that have unusual designs. I am not, however, an expert by any means, and over the years I’ve dealt with sales staff at antique stores who don’t even know what kind of wood an item is. That’s why I’ve posted this here, as many of you are worldwide experts in vintage and antique furniture.</p><p><br /></p><p>I’ve purchased a number of vintage/antique chairs over the years to reupholster them, and the reupholstery cost always exceeded the purchase price. I didn’t jump on this one because the acquisition cost seemed too high ($750) for a piece I wouldn’t put in a high profile place, such as my living room, as-is. The intent of the shop is to clean it up, reupholster it, and sell it for a lot more $$. They typically don’t sell unrestored pieces (as indicated, it was hidden in the back, and it’s not on their website). I’m a repeat customer so I got a pretty thorough look at everything. They will also reupholster it for me, but I presume that will add at least another $1k to the price (which is about what my upholstery shop will cost).</p><p><br /></p><p>I’m also a bit leery because this is from what is supposed to be a very reputable, high end dealer. I asked if it was oak, and the salesman told me that it was walnut. I’m taking it on faith that this is late 19th century instead of, say, 1920s. Also, I asked if it was English and he said possibly, or possibly from somewhere else in Europe (Italy?). Unlike many of you here, I really can’t tell if a carved wood chair is 1880s Italian or 1920s English. I presume they get most of their pieces like this from estate sales, so I understand the lack of information. Ultimately the country of origin is not crucial to me (e.g. if it’s really Belgian that doesn’t matter), but I also like to know what I have; I can tell from looking at it that it’s an old chair made of wood. I expect more information from an antiques dealer than from a garage sale.</p><p><br /></p><p>As for the upholstery, this is far from the worst I’ve had. One chair (I’ve posted it previously) was so awful and dirty it went straight from the antique shop to the upholstery shop. But, I got it for about $200, and it was a very old and unique looking to me (spool turned/bobbin chair) and I think it cost three times that to reupholster. It is an enjoyable and now comfortable chair that looks great.</p><p><br /></p><p>This fabric is old and isn’t my style, and it’s a little frayed on the right arm (looking at it, on the right). I love the nailheads, but I don’t think the upholstery shows off the piece as well as it could. The chair is in great condition. Right now, though, I have so much stuff that anything I’d spend a significant amount of $$ on has to have a “wow” factor, not just “it’s nice.” I think with the right upholstery, it can be a “wow”! As much as I love the richness of leather, I think this calls for a light colored fabric, perhaps blue. I already have a pair of channel-backed Danish Art Deco club chairs in my living room, both in mohair, one brown and the other red (an enormous expense). I’m open to suggestions!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you, everyone! I appreciate the input.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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