We know that aged, designer chairs are worth collecting. But do you know that even old rocking chairs are a strong attraction for antique collectors? Yes, these vintage swing chairs build a fortune, but only if they’re really ancient!
So today, I brought a detailed antique rocking chair identification guide to help you easily spot an authentic vintage rocker and estimate its average cost! Let’s get into it!
Key Takeaways
- If you’re looking for old, handmade chairs, get Solid-wood, Boston, or Mission-style ones. And you can look for a curved or mesh body with Shellac for a handmade touch.
- New metal or steel chairs are thin and cheap. So, pick Walnut, Mahogany, or Oakwood chairs for good returns up to $500.
- If you want branded chairs, get the ones with crude wax, oil, or milk finish. And you can also check for stamped logos or fabrics to raise the valuation by 2 – 3%.
- If you don’t want typical garden chairs, get American, Victorian, or Art-Deco chairs for traditional decor.
What Do Antique Rocking Chairs Look Like?
Most rare rocking chairs have an oak construction and hand-made joints with peg legs. They also have curved backs and carvings that elevate their aesthetic and valuation.
If you’re still not sure, look out for these features to identify antique chairs:
- Simple Oak, Walnut, or Mahogany sections with a Shellac finish
- Rough glue and peg joints with square nails
- Curvilinear body and floral or mesh inlay designs
- Burnt or carved logo and a trademark that helps track the age
- Spindle or turned legs and a thicker square or rectangular base
- Glued or stapled upholstery with shiny metal or brass pushpins
The History & Evolution
The first rocking chair popped up in the 17th century. And since people used them outdoors, they had solid wood legs and backs to withstand the weather. These chairs had handcrafted armrests with chips and tool markings.
But manufacturers started using thin forms and hoop backs in the 18th century. So, the rocking chairs became more comfortable to be used indoors. But they had uneven surfaces, leaner legs, and a waxy finish to save them from heat and humidity.
Then, America witnessed an Industrial Revolution in the 1870s. Rockers were then factory-made with thin, ornate designs and a better stain. With curved armrests, spindles, and embossed logos, such old rocking chairs are highly precious today!
Types of Antique Rocking Chairs
When identifying an old rocking chair, it’s important to learn about the six types of antique rocking chairs. So, let’s discuss those types to identify and value the chair better!
1. Bentwood Rocking Chair (1800s – 1850)
Bentwood chairs are beechwood chairs with spiral legs and curved rockers. They are very lightweight and may have cane backrests and seats. Generally, old bentwood chairs are brown or white, but newer ones may be black or silver too.
But, these rocking chairs are brittle and need proper lubrication for durability. So, they have a moderate valuation of $100 – 250.
2. Boston Rocking Chair (1830 – 1890)
A Boston rocking chair consists of sturdier oak or pine sections. These chairs may have floral carvings at the sides but have curved seats and backs for better comfort. They are usually black but can be brown or brass-colored, depending on the age.
Boston chairs are relatively newer but expensive due to their solid wood seats and headpieces. So, you can expect a valuation of $350 – 500 for new chairs and $500 – 750 for old ones.
3. Folding Rocking Chairs (1870)
Folding rockers are lighter metal or wood chairs with hollow backs and leather seats. They are easy to store but are very brittle due to the moving parts and joints. So, depending on the material, they have a lower valuation of $70 – 150.
4. Ladderback Rocking Chairs (1850s)
Ladderback rockers are sturdy, upholstered chairs with horizontal slats at the back. They are pretty tall, with 2-3 extra footrests at the base. These chairs are mostly white but can be available in black or brown, depending on the brand and region.
But since they are new and factory-made, they have a lower valuation of $50 – 60 at any auction.
5. Mission-style Rocking Chairs (1870s)
Mission-style chairs use square or squat sections with a linear, planked frame. They don’t have any ornamentation but have elegant wood stains and solid finishes that hike the cost. And since they use seasoned, hand-screwed joints, you can value them up to $500.
Mission rocking chairs are further classified as follows:
- Windsor Rocking Chair: These are thin, tall chairs with spindle backs and armrests. They do not have carvings but may have painted fruits and flowers. So, they have a high valuation of $500 – 700.
- Sewing Rocking Chair: These thin, feminine chairs have low backs and armrests, valuing $150 – 200.
6. Platform Rocking Chairs (1900s)
Platform rocking chairs have a stationary base but use a springed seat to rock the user. The chair remains flat on the ground, reducing friction and floor damage. But, its unstable seats and brittle parts lower its valuation to $100.
9 Factors to Identify an Antique Rocking Chair & Value It Correctly
Old rocking chairs have varied materials, brands, colors, etc., that decide their possible cost. Let’s explore all the factors that affect the antique rocking chair value:
1. Rocking Chair Age
Rocking chairs’ costs vary with age. The earlier models from the 1750s are the most precious, and their value escalates more if they feature exclusive floral designs at the rails. Similarly, thick and minimal chairs from the 18th century are valuable.
In contrast, factory-made models from the late 1900s are mass-produced and easy to get. So, they don’t have high demand and may have a low value of up to $80.
- Chairs of the Early 1700s: The 1700s rocking chairs are solid-wood chairs with curved backs and rockers. But they have handmade armrests and backs with original, hand-screwed joints. So, they have a high cost of $800 – 1000.
- Chairs of the Early 1800s: The 1800s rocking chairs have carved arms, spiral legs, and curvilinear shapes, valued at about $500 – 800.
- Chairs of the Late 1850s: These chairs have pad armrests, slated backs, and thick wood sections. They are minimal in design but are heavy and durable. Depending on the brand, they may have different colors but cost roughly $300 – 500.
- Chairs of the Early 1900s: Antique rocking chairs 1900s models are factory-made. You can track their age with the stains and the product codes on the underside. But, they have low demand and a value of $100 – 120.
Here are some common product codes for quick reference:
Year | Chair Age | Product Code | Location | Manufacturer | Valuation |
1900 | 123 | BO55CH | America | Boston Rocking Chair | $400 – 500 |
1980 | 43 | CIRCA 1980 | North Carolina | Nichols and Stone | $380 – 400 |
Always check the manufacturer’s logo on the underside of every rocking chair. Usually stamped, wax-polished chairs are older and valuable.
2. Chair Material & Wood
Old, 17th-century chairs were built from Walnut or Oak wood featuring straight grain and a dark brown to light brown hue. They may also have purple or red streaks as per age.
In contrast, 18th-century chairs are mostly made from Maple, Cherry, or Mahogany wood. So, they have a reddish texture, speckled grain, and shiny wax polish.
The later 19th-century chairs can be made from Rosewood or White Oak. So, they are white or purplish and have beautiful, unorganized grain. And they’re also very precious due to their slight scent and rich finish, costing around $300.
Lastly, 20th-century rocking chairs are more industrial and vary according to the metal. For example, copper or iron chairs are precious, but steel chairs have a low valuation.
You can find the average antique rocking chair value according to their materials below:
Chair Material | Year | Average Valuation |
Walnut or Oak Wood | 1700 | $500 – 600 |
Maple, Cherry or Mahogany Wood | 1800 | $350 – 400 |
Rosewood or Oak Wood | 1900 | $250 – 300 |
Oxidized Copper | 1950s & Above | $250 – 350 |
Wrought Iron Metal | 1950s & Above | $300 – 400 |
Alloyed Steel or Spring Steel | 1950s & Above | $90 – 150 |
Cane Metal | 1950s & Above | $100 – 200 |
Look out for solid-wood or single-grained rocking chairs. Composite wood chairs are often damaged and have an inferior finish and low value.