How to Date and Find the Era of Cane-Back Gold Fabric Chairs

As surely as clothing fashions are indicative of a particular place and time, so too is the design of furniture. The style, the way it was made and the fabrics and materials used can often relatively accurately date a chair or other piece of furniture. Established in the Louis XV era, cane seating became more prevalent in the second half of the 17th century, but you will need to do some research to find the true history of your chair. There are some tell-tale clues that will assist you in finding the date of a cane-back chair.

Instructions

- 1
  Check for authenticity any provenance that is related to the chair. Pieces of antique furniture often have fascinating stories in their history. These can only be considered reliable if there is documentary evidence supporting the claims. Check whether there are historical portraits or photographs in which the chair is featured.
- 2
  Turn the chair over and check for a maker's mark, label, signature or any other indication as to by who, when and where the chair was made.
- 3
  Examine the construction of the chair. Pay close attention to the joints. Mortise and tenon joints are an indicator that the chair was constructed prior to the mid-18th century, while machine-cut joints will date the chair post-industrial revolution. The types and position of screws will also help in determining a date.
- 4
  Determine the style of the chair. This is helpful in pinpointing a chair's era, as is the fabric used and the type of upholstery. A true Louis XV-era cane-backed chair will display features such as cabriole legs and scroll feet. Borrow an antique reference guide from your local library to familiarize yourself with furniture styles.
- 5
  Take the chair to a reputable auctioneer or antique dealer to benefit from their advice and expertise.

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