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Antique Continuous Arm Windsor Chairs

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

I just bought a set of 4 Antique Continuous Arm Windsor Chairs. They look and show wear and tear of an very old set. By viewing the pics anyone has any idea which era they belong to or the maker? There are no markings on them. Thanks for your help in advance.






Comments (18)

  • 7 years ago

    Sure are pretty!

  • 7 years ago

    Whenever we see 19th century images of Windsor furniture it is always painted. I think this is because they were made from several different kinds of wood. Do you see any sign of paint on your chairs? Looks to me like you have a nice set of chairs, I like the through legs and spindles nicely wedged. You should know Duckloe Bros makes them and does a great job.


  • 7 years ago

    They appear to be at least early 19th century to me....
    True early windsors were often painted....but many were not....and paint was often removed.
    Let's see the underside....and possible other signs of wear.
    Whatever the age they are VERY nice chairs!!

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Those are most likely a high quality reproduction late 20th Century build, and were made in New England because they have a Eastern White Pine seat (Pennsylvania and Ohio chairmakers use Poplar). They have a Bamboo style leg on them rather than the more common Vase leg. I'd like to see a photo of the chair bottom, to see if its branded or labeled (most were). That is an adaptation of a Connecticut original that was done in the 18th Century and then stylized by Wallace Nutting with that unique seat shape in the late 1920's. DR Dimes out of New Hampshire was the first to copy that Nutting design and they began making chairs in the early 1980's, and were one of the few to put a Bamboo leg on the chair. However, the seat edge is sharper on a Dimes chair unless that is one of their very early units because they went into more production methods. And of course, in the 80's there were numerous other chair makers that popped up and copied the Dimes model of the Nutting as well.


    For about 20 years, my store sold thousands of high-end reproduction Windsors (average was 1,400 per year) from various makers so I am fairly well versed in the style.

  • 7 years ago

    Accurate and insightful post by Keeping Room is much appreciated.

    One other thing the OP might consider, what is the chance that 4 perfectly matching arm chairs would be over 100 years old? Why don't the chairs show any "honest" wear? As mentioned before, nice chairs, not antique.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago





    Thank you all specially Keeping Room for detailed and comprehensive and at the same time educational comment and feedback regarding Windsor chairs. I have been searching online to compare these with whatever it has been posted including Wallace Nutting , DR Dimes and Duckloe Bros products. By looking at the images, these chairs don't have the feel and the looks of refinement of production pieces of Nutting and Dimes. Although they are well crafted and very well made but definitely one will notice each is unique regardless of wood grain or pattern but in fabrication. I have experience in manufacturing including some in wood, the way these are structured and pulled together I can see tedious and hard work in each individual piece. Enclosed are few pics including the bottom of the chairs which does not have any markings and is rough - it is not sanded or machined. Question: were all high end Windsor chairs handmade in any period - antique, old or new? BTW, Googling continuous arm Windsor chair along with the pics you will notice a price range from low few hundreds to few thousands per each regardless of age which is to me quite confusing - what gives?

  • 7 years ago

    Many years ago Antiques Roadshow appraised our Windsor (MacBride - late 1700s) at $ 10,000.00. Prices have fallen since then but it’s still worth more then a few thousand dollars. Ours was originally one of at least 12, ten have been located, so yes it’s possible to find a set.


  • 7 years ago

    Good quality Windsor's made in the 20s are almost 100 years old and that's a lot of wear on a chair. I'm no expert and I do know that you can find true 18th century or early 19th century antiques out there but you also find a lot more 20s, 30s and 40s things.

  • 7 years ago

    I find it strange that both have the exact coloration. While they might have been refinished I do not think that they are from the 1800s. One thing to look for is a manufacturer who used that raised or inscribed piece at the back. If you can find similar ones with that feature you will have a better idea of the date

  • 7 years ago

    That continuous back speaks of new York made. I can't tell what wood the seat is from the pictures.....could very well be poplar or white pine....old ones were made both ways.
    I am noticing the total lack of evidence of use or wear. I know Windsors are sturdy but eventually show some wear.
    I know someone who makes Windsor chairs....impossible to tell from 200 year old chairs, but for the lack of wear.....and perhaps the growth rings on the wood he uses.
    They are great chairs....and I don't think they are late 20th century but earlier

  • 7 years ago

    God bless you Keeping Home with you detailed and informative feedback - I am very grateful. And also grateful to everyone who have contributed to my posting. Your statement: "That was probably made with Doug Sr and Tom Lavigne were they were the only two doing them and they used to deliver them in their cars " really touch me. Since you have these in your home I trust they must be good quality pieces. How one appraise these with such a range of values online?

  • 7 years ago


    HERE is Curtis Buchanan's youtube. 18:40 shows him starting the spindles. This is a labor of love and he goes out of his way to explain the details of wood species and working with green wood. Notice how he pulls on that drawknife, remarkable skill.

    HU-634943949 thanked sam_md
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Lovely purchase. I see a “saddle” seat with legs and stretcher influenced by bamboo, They either are the real deal or wonderful reproductions. Investigate D.D. Dimes.

    HU-634943949 thanked JudyG Designs
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Whatever their provenance, they are wonderful! I absolutely love Windsor chairs and these are so special. So sad that companies like DR Dimes and Eldred Wheeler have gone out of business. 18th Century reproductions are not in fashion now, so the demand is not there. Good quality American craftsmanship will always be "in" in my book!

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    They are not worth much today, the market is very cooled for this class of product. My store used to be a huge dealer in this category and at one time the largest dealer for both D.R. Dimes and Eldred Wheeler., However, the younger generations shuns this look and I moved into premium leather upholstery as our primary product line several years ago. These will come roaring back into style and demand, but it likely will not be until the Tri-Centennial which will be in another 56 years Until then, enjoy them.



  • 7 years ago

    Many pics of D.R. Dimes chairs here for comparison - early D R DImes chairs

  • 6 years ago

    sam_md - Interesting that you used Curtis Buchanan's tutorial as an example. He is from my town. My husband grew up with him, as well. Beautiful work!!!