Windsor Chairs HandCrafted in the 18th Century Manner
“The advanced techniques of the 18th century intrigue Stein. For example, parts of Windsor chairs are steamed and bent. The joints are tapered, Stein said, “so the more you sit in them, the tighter they get, rather than looser.”
Windsor Chairs w/ arms
Sack Back
This was a common form in America introduced in the 1760’s. All Windsors get their names from the shape of the back. It is said, that the sack-back would often have an empty sack on it to keep a cool draft off the sitters back, thus giving it it’s name. This was a very popular chair in the 18th century. It is also my most popular seller, a classic American Windsor. The chairs can be built with various leg styles such as the Baluster, Philadelphia, or Double Bobbin (shown.)
37″ high x 24″ wide x 22-1/2″ deep
$775.00
Sack Back w/Leather Seat
This chair is the same as my other Sack Backs with the addition of the padded leather seat. It is stuffed with 1 1/2 pounds of horse and hogs hair with muslin and cotton stretched over that and tacked. This chair is covered with Black leather and then French natural nails line the perimeter. Other colors of leather are available. Footstool is available here.
37″ high x 24″ wide x 22-1/2″ deep
$1075.00
Fan Back Arm Chair
The inspiration for this chair came from 2 armchairs at Winterthur that were made on the island of Nantucket in the 1790’s. Similar chair forms were introduced by Philadelphia chair makers in the 1760’s. This style is set off by the two stiles supporting the crest. The curved arms are also attached to these stiles. The tall, railless, spindle back adds a bit of elegance to this chair. It is the largest Windsor and very appropriate for a formal seating arrangement or in your library as a reading chair.
46″ high x 28″ wide x 25″ deep
$1275.00
High Back Arm Chair
The High Back was a popular form in Philadelphia from 1760-1790. Although the thin spindles look fragile, they work with the arm rail to strengthen the chair. Unlike manufactured chairs, the High Back is designed to “give”. This flexibility provides greater comfort.
43-1/2″ high x 24″ wide x 24″ deep
$825.00
Low Back Arm Chair
This is one of the oldest Windsor styles. It first became popular in Philadelphia and soon sprang up in other areas. It is the only Windsor that doesn’t have a bent part included in it’s construction. With it’s large D shaped seat it is one of the roomiest chairs I make.
30″ high x 20″ deep x 28-1/4″ wide
$975.00
Sack Back Settee
This is a fifteen spindle settee, comfortable seating for two people. It could be made with twenty two or twenty nine spindles for three or four people. It is shown with my Philadelphia style turned legs.
37″ high x 44″ wide x 22-1/2″ deep
$1725.00
Triple Back Arm Chair
This chair is the same as my other Sack Backs with the addition of the crest. There are carvings in the ears of the crest. The chair is shown with the Philadelphia style leg turnings and hand carved knuckles. This is one of my favorites.
45- 1/2″ high x 25″ wide x 25″ deep
$975.00
Writing Arm Chair
18th century writing-arm chairs are extremely rare. Examples that do exist are often regular chairs with writing paddles added at a later date. This chair is designed as a writing-arm from the ground up. The extension on the seat and the extra arm support add greater strength to this chair.
43-1/2″ high x 30″ wide x 36-1/2″ deep
$1250.00
Windsor chairs (Side)
Bow Back Side Chair
More Bow Back side chairs were made in the 18th century than any other style. The back of this chair is one continuous piece of riven white oak that is wedged on each end under the seat. This chair can be made with or without the two bracing spindles. This chair is shown with the simple double bobbin leg turnings.
37″ high x 21″ wide x 22″ deep
$695.00
Bird Cage Side Chair
This chair is also known as a double rod back chair and is a later chair. (early 19th century) Notice the stretchers are “boxed” instead of the earlier H pattern. All of the parts, with the exception of the seat, are turned on the lathe in the bamboo style (influenced from America’s involvement in the China Trade). This gives the chair a continuity that the earlier chairs lack.
37″ high x 21″ wide x 18″ deep
$750.00
Fan Back Side Chair
This was an extremely popular chair form that has it’s roots in Philadelphia. they were also produced in New England. My chair has the same detailing as my Fan Back Arm chair so they compliment each other well. The design element that sets these chairs apart from other Windsor’s is the two turned stiles that support the bent crest rail. This chair is shown with the baluster leg turnings.
39″ high x 25″ deep x 23″ wide
$750.00
An upholstered leather seat can be added to any chair for an additional charge of $300.00
Carved knuckles can be added to any chair for an additional charge of $120.00