3-slat rocking side chair

1825-1900

Measurements

42-3/8 in x 18-3/8 in x 23 in

Materials

Maple, ash (rungs), oak (rockers), rush (seat)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.659

Provenance

Gift of Robert L. Raley to The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Comments

This simple rocking chair, turned into a delightful design statement by the elongated finials, shows few clues to its place of origin.  The double boxed stretchers and three arched slats with straight bottoms were used throughout the Eastern United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, even into the early 20th century.  The long, pointed finials represent a complete departure from the usual reel and ball designs.  Some other chairs known to have been made later in the 19th century have elongated finials, although not to this extent.  Nonetheless, they help suggest a time of fabrication for this chair.