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Across the Fence:  Old Hickory Furniture Fans?  |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 10:27:52 PM
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I found what "I think" is a treasure, today, at a yard sale... A set of unusual, very rustic chairs. They are made from heavy tree branches with woven seats, obviously very old. There is a large arm chair with looped bentwood arms, and a matching side chair, also with arms. The larger chair has a matching ottoman/footstool. All have woven seats & backs.
I have been trying to find information about the set, and as near as I can tell they might be "Old Hickory" furniture, maybe from the turn of the centry. This makes sense becaue Old Hickory furniture was (and still is) manufactured right here in Indiana. This is the same lodge style furniture used at the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone.
Any collectors of this type of furniture out there? Anyone know a good website for information on antique lodge style furnishings? The Old Hickory site has no information on old furniture, just new. I'd like to know for sure what I have and if it's valuable. Already told the kids not to sit on it until I know! LOL
Any help would sure be appreciated!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 06:22:29 AM
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I've seen a few pieces here and there at antique stores, and sales locally (in No. Kentucky). Is there any kind of stamp or burn in the wood anywhere? Any type of identification mark?
Here are a couple things I've found:
http://www.oldhickorytrading.com/oldhickory/index.html
They're now located in Shelbyville (1982) and apparently, still producing furniture. Maybe you could take a photo and email the contact there for identification purposes? I've found out a great deal by contacting original makers--sometimes they have an "archivist or historian" on premis.
I love the look of the stuff--especially the weaving. I recently bought an ottoman from a woodworker from Indiana (a quaker, actually) who made similar furniture. I paid a pretty penny for it but man, is it worth it!
Good luck and keep us posted!
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." Margaret Atwood
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 9:11:55 PM
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Thanks for the link Jonni! One of my chairs is similar to the rocker pictured, but with a higher back & much tighter weaving in a herringbone pattern.
I looked for a mark, but don't see one. The wood is dark and I'm not quite sure where I should be looking! LOL I might take the chairs outside in strong light to "see what I can see".
I had thought of contacting the company, but had no idea they might have an "archivist or historian" on premis. I will definitely do that!
Oh Aunt Jenny, I do love the look of these pieces, as does my husband! It is incredibly heavy & sturdy. I love that the seats are woven on not just one side, but both.
I found another website with similar pieces if you want to see more in this style. Just wish I had a "Lakehouse" to put it in! 
http://www.justrustic.com/furniture.htm
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 9:50:28 PM
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Rhonda-
It sounds like you found a great find- not matter what their monetary value ends up being! They sound fantastic!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2007 : 2:53:10 PM
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waaay cooool .. i have two rockers like the one pictured on the web-site .. got them in OHIO .. had to pay $500. for the two of them .. sooooooo .. sounds like you got a great deal gurlfren!
my chairs have 'darker' seats though.
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 10:05:56 PM
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Frannie, funny...but I thought of YOU when I saw those chairs! Just looked like something I imagined on your porch at Cabin Creek. How neat to know that you have a couple there!
I do buy some thing for resale at my antique booth, but these will stay here at home, as my dear husband esteems them very much.  He is already calling the high back chair his throne! Poor delusional man. LOL
Sure wish the chairs could go outside, but we have 3 naughty cats who tend to use everything as a scratching post. For now we are enjoying them in the den.
Having something made right here in our state makes these even more special. And the silly ladies who sold them to me thought they were "homely"!
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2007 : 05:17:27 AM
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Good find Rhonda, we had one at home when I lived on the farm, who knows what ever happened to it. It wasn't like the one pictured, but it was woven out of hickory.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Old Hickory Furniture Fans? |
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Old Hickory Furniture Fans?
