Antique Boston Rocker with Matching Footstool — c. 1880
An attractive, authentic antique Boston rocking chair complete with a matching low footstool. Dating to circa 1880 (Late Victorian period), this classic American-style set features a deep, aged dark wood finish beautifully contrasted by freshly woven, light cane seating panels on both pieces.
The History Behind the "Boston Rocker"
The Origin: While the generic rocking chair was an American invention, the specific "Boston Rocker" variation emerged across New England in the early 1820s. It quickly grew to become the most popular and iconic chair style of 19th-century America.
A Design Revolution: It evolved directly from the classic British country Windsor chair. New England craftsmen redesigned it with a taller, curved spindle back, sweeping scrolled arms, and a distinctive rolling crest rail at the top explicitly intended to support the head comfortably.
The Sensation: It was the first style of rocking chair specifically engineered from the ground up for a relaxing, balanced rocking motion, rather than simply having wooden rockers attached to the bottom of a standard chair leg. Its incredible comfort made it a staple of Victorian homes across the globe.
Design & Features
Classic Profile: Features the iconic curved, shaped top rail (splat) and slender back spindles characteristic of traditional 19th-century Boston rockers.
Caned Seats: Both the rocking chair and the stool feature crisp, tightly woven cane inserts in excellent, taut condition.
Sculpted Armrests: Substantial, scrolled wooden armrests designed for maximum comfort.
Matching Stool: Includes a rare, style-matched four-legged footrest with turned stretchers that perfectly mirrors the chair's timber tone and caning.
Condition
Excellent antique condition overall.
Caning is fully intact with no breaks, sagging, or damage.
Frame is structurally sound with smooth rocking action and minor, authentic surface wear consistent with its age and history.
Dimensions
Rocking Chair: 102 cm Overall Height | 52 cm Wide | 53 cm Deep (Seat Height: 47 cm from ground)
We are an independent small business based on the South Coast of England. We try to find beautiful, unique & interesting items we love, that we hope you will too!
We can offer a full house clearance and we advise our customers the best way to deal with their clearance, even taking some items for free . We can also buy your items & offer free evaluations, thus reducing cost for our customers.
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We have included shipping costs for mainland UK, but are happy for you to collect in person or we can help with other arrangements.
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