Antique Rocking Chairs

The rocking chair seems to have originated in England in the early to mid 1700's. By 1745 the rocking chair was mostly used as garden chairs. However, it was the american influence of the rocking chair that made it so popular. The windsor antique rocking chair built in philadelphia, eventually became known worldwide. This rocker chair was introduced to the American colonies around 1750. These rocker chairs have evolved into some of the most popular style porch rocker chairs today.

Tips for buying an antique rocking chair

• Ensure that the rocker of the rocking chair is in good condition. If the rocker itself is damaged, then regardless of how great a condition the rest of the chair is in, you should avoid buying such an antique. The rocker is the main part of the chair and this is what provides the soothing rocking motion. Thus, if it is spoilt, the main purpose of the chair will be defeated.

Make sure that the main frame of the antique style rocker is strong and solid. *If the frame is in a good condition, then the chair is a good buy even if there are any cracks in the wood or the joints are undone. Cracks can be covered and joints can be glued again, thus restoring the antique chair to its former glory.

• Don’t be put off by a ruined finish when buying an antique rockingchair. You can easily give the rocker a new finish and make it seem as good as new. All you have to do is remove the old finish by applying a thick coat of finish remover to the chair. Once the finish has softened with the remover, you can scuff it away with a blunt putty knife. Use stripping pads and fresh water to clear away any remaining traces of finish. After this, you just have to color the chair with your choice of dye based wood stains, apply a last coat or two of wood finish, and your antique rocker will be gleaming anew.