Summary:
• Item: Smokers’ Bow Armchair
• Cabinetmaker: J.W. Read & Co.
• Circa: 1880
• Provenance: Shropshire, England, UK
• Period: Victorian
• Wood: Mahogany
• Low back
• Curved gallery back
• Splayed arms
• Saddle shaped seat
• Twin stretchers for strength
• Turned legs
• Very comfortable
• Superb colour & patination
• Original condition
• Solid in joint
• Free UK delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns
This is a very good quality antique solid mahogany Victorian smokers’ bow armchair, circa 1880, in good original condition. The armchair features a shaped gallery back, which makes the chair extremely comfortable and practical for everyday use. The chair displays a bank of shaped vertical supports above a shaped back that connects to the sturdy splayed arms. The arms are secured by shaped supports, which attach to a well-pronounced saddle shaped seat that displays the original colour and patination of the grain. Below the chair seat, twin ‘H’ stretchers unite the turned legs, which gives this chair added strength and robustness. This armchair offers the classic smokers bow shape and has good proportions. The chair is very comfortable, solid in joint and has a superb colour and patination.
It is unusual to see these chairs made from solid mahogany; they are usually constructed from ash an elm, which is why it makes it a very good quality and sought after chair.
Provenance:
This chair was made by J.W. Read & Co. cabinetmakers in Whitchurch, Shropshire, (formerly called Salop), England. They made good quality utilitarian furniture and supplied customers in the North West of England during the late Victorian period. There is a stamp on the underside of the chair seat, which bears their firms’ name (see photos).
This type of chair is commonly called ‘Captains’ chairs but really they were smokers’ bows, which were used to relax in and have a smoke at the end of a hard day’s work.
This armchair features a rich mahogany colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination, which can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms from the kitchen to the office. This item would certainly grace any home and is a great investment as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report:
This smokers’ bow armchair is in good original condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. Importantly, there are no breaks to the spindles, arms or legs. The chair has been cleaned and polished in our workshops. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination. The chair is solid in joint, does not wobble and is ready to use.
Dimensions:
External Height = 77.8cm or 30⅝” or 2ft 6⅝”
External Width = 64.5cm or 25⅜” or 2ft 1⅜”
External Depth = 50cm or 19⅝” or 1ft 7⅝”
Seat Height = 46.5cm or 18⅜” or 1ft 6⅜”
Seat Width = 40.6cm or 16” or 1ft 4”
Seat Depth = 43cm or 17” or 1ft 5”
Arm Height = 26.7cm or 10½”
Back Height = 34.5cm or 13⅝” or 1ft 1⅝”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. Smokers Bow Chair 35