It appears, from what the picture shows, to be a very nice late Victorian era platform rocker in what has been called "Lincoln Rocker" style...but in a platform rocker. It appears to have been recaned...or amazingly the caning stayed in great shape.,
As for price....to have that recaned would cost you a minimun of $.20 a hole....and the seat has about 100 holes. I think $175 is a bargain!!
Of course you could buy something like this....but I like the one you found a lot better.
http://www.sears.com/international-concepts-solid-wood-rocking-chair-espresso/p-021V006739402000P?plpSellerId=Ami%20Ventures%20Inc&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Ask the shop person if they can take less.....and offer $150.... they will probably say "I can go $160....would that be ok?"....and then you nab it!

I went back to the antique mall and looked closer at the chair. After doing so, I realized the rivets had a company name/date on them. "Heywood Bros and Co. Gardner, Massachusetts, 1873"!!! I was thrilled to find this! Not only that but everything else seems very legit, age wise. After I took the chair out of the mall and could see it in better lighting, it did appear a little more rough than I realized. However, for the age, I think I got an incredible deal, and couldn't be happier! They took 150 for it as well! Below are some more photos. Thanks for the info/advice! Any more thoughts or insight, after seeing more photos?

Well done Grasshopper!!! Great chair!! And you bargained like a champ!