Help dating antique settee/sofa

10 years ago

I bought this little sofa at a roadside thrift store here in charleston. When I found out how much $$ it cost to reupholster, I let it sit. For 6 years. Since then I have learned a bit about reupholstering and have decided to tackle it myself. Everyone tells me to throw out the tufting (it's horsehair) but I absolutely refuse to do it. To me it's what makes the sofa special. Once I got the fabric off, I realized that it has seen a lot of years. I been researching online and in books and while I can find styles that seem close I can't seem to lock it down. It's fairly small, the actual seat area is 18" not very comfortable!

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Comments (6)

lindac92
10 years ago
There are lots of thigns about it that I can't see....but from what I can see, I would guess early Victorian...Late Empire period. Perhaps 1850? more likely 1860's
I have one similar but more to the Empire. Definitely a "sit up straight" piece of furniture! Not for lounging!
Good for you for tackling it yourself!!
sherrycf
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the quick reply! I've had to do a lot of repair to the wood and I swear it's probably been reupholstered five or six times .... So many holes, tacks and nails there is no space for new ones. Using lots of wood putty. Is there anything in particular that I should look for that would indicate time period. Lots of saw marks on the wood and a few old square top nails. Irregular shaped dowels hold the front panels and top on. Seat stuffed with straw or excelsior. Top rail seems to be hand shaped (?). Some photos below. So excited to have found this forum.
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lindac92
10 years ago
The style tells the era. I am saying more early Victorian than Empire, based on the shape and the carving.
I hope you know what a wonderful old piece it is! Treat it with care and love!
And bless you for your patience in restoring this "old dame".
hounds_x_two
10 years ago
What a wonderful piece! Please post your project progress pictures.
sherrycf
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for your knowledge. I really do love old furniture and I loved that you called her "old dame" as that is exactly how I feel about it. I can't help but imagine who sat o. Her and what "she" witnessed. Here is a photo of another old piece that I rescued. After hurricane Hugo here in Charleston this piece along with several others that appeared to be a parlor set, were stored in a metal shipping container and left there for 20 years (in the south Carolina heat). It's condition was appalling. I did have to completely strip it. It was filled horse hair and had springs in the bottom. Took me some time to clean up the wood. It has what looks to be the original coasters on it. I will be upholstering this one too I'm just trying to decide if I want to tackle the springs myself.
lindac92
10 years ago
Lovely....another Victorian....but I suspect the casters are not original. they would have been porcelain...or is that black porcelain.
Do you have the springs? I re-tied the springs in an old wicker piece years back....and I don't "do" upholstery....usually. You can do it!