Greetings,
In looking at this week's home page posting showing a nicely made late Victorian chair with lavish inlay, it immediately got my attention. About a decade ago, I bought a less ornate and elaborate chair from a NYC area antiques picker who buys up estates in and around the City. My chair has the same swooping form and slightly more restrained ornamental carvings. However, the inlay work is remarkably similar-a darker background wood inlaid with lighter wood design elements and embellished with mother of pearl inlay. (sorry about the photo flash reflection) While I suppose it is possible for it also to have a Cincinnati origin, there's more evidence to suggest it is from NYC and perhaps even from R.J. Horner. (see comments on the home page posting) My "Cincinnati" type chair has no ID marks that I've yet found but I haven't removed the upholstery to be certain. In any event, here's a photo (copied-hope that is ok for this purpose) of the original "Cincinnati" mystery chair and below it two photos of the chair I own. I'd appreciate any comments or feedback you wish to share to understand if my logic seems sound or maybe way off. Thanks! John
Cincinnati Label Mystery Chair-photos
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Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started September 9, 2010 by vintrest · 6 posts, 3 image attachments · discussion in 2010.
Greetings, In looking at this week's home page posting showing a nicely made late Victorian chair with lavish inlay, it immediately got my attention. About a decade ago, I bought a less ornate and elaborate chair from a NYC area antiques picker who buys up estates in and…
I think many makers of all levels made furniture with these embellishments at the time. Herts Brothers is another example, here. I'll have to check my period catalogs and see if I see any other examples.
I see what you mean. I must admit my knowledge of Herter pieces made after 1885 is pretty limited. I think the company itself dissolved in 1905. Between these two dates an ecclectic mix of pieces were made but none seemed to equal or resemble the pre-1885 pieces. I still think there's a maker connection between the "Cincinnati" mystery chair and the one I photographed. If both pieces had been made in the 1700's then an attribution would probably be far easier. (for the reasons previously mentioned)
Just a quick note: Herts Brothers is a different entity than Herter Brothers. Both in NY, though.
I get the similarity between splats and stiles/armrests between the two chairs. Could be the same maker, although....
I have a settee from a parlor set ca. 1905, made of walnut, with similar splats, though much less elaborated and more "factory" looking. I'd say it was a decorative sign o' the times at the beginning of the 20th century.
I have a settee from a parlor set ca. 1905, made of walnut, with similar splats, though much less elaborated and more "factory" looking. I'd say it was a decorative sign o' the times at the beginning of the 20th century.
Quote from: Rare Victorian
Just a quick note: Herts Brothers is a different entity than Herter Brothers. Both in NY, though.
Duly noted. Bet the close similarity between their name and that of the premiere NYC firm, Herter Bros. probably didn't hurt their business. So maybe I have a "Herts Bros." chair? I'm still pretty vague on the pieces made by Herter Bros. after 1885 and especially from 1890 until the firm went out of business. The Herter Bros. book published as part of an exhibition of their best known pieces,(1989?) was very light on the firm's later period post 1885. (judging by those later examples featured, I can understand why) As for Herts Bros., I know virtually nothing, besides the article you posted. NYC had SO many great furniture makers in the last quarter of the 19th century...