Windsor Chairs - Part II
Ax chopped, burned, dog chewed, thrown in the dumpster-many great Windsor chairs have suffered horrible deaths over the years. Others have simply been abused-scraped naked, or sold at yard sales for the price of a Velvet Elvis painting. This is because, except in appraisal of line, everyday standards of value are not relevant to Windsors. Choice undisturbed examples with crusty peeling layers of paint and considerable wear are often mistaken for beat up kitchen chairs.
Stylistic features must be considered when dating Windsors. Mid 18th century examples will often have bold ring-and-baluster turned legs ending in feet shaped like turnips, "blunt arrow feet," or colt's hooves. A worn or broken foot would require splicing a fancy lathe-fashioned replicate back on. A few years later, Windsor makers found that by grounding their chairs in just a slight conical taper, worn feet could be shaved flat again. This added to the economy of ownership and enhanced sales. In the Federal Period (1790-1825) bold baluster legs and arm supports were supplanted by lighter features including a bamboo-like turnings, influenced by our fascination with new Oriental Trade.
Less valuable Windsors of the Victorian (1860-1900) and later periods can often be distinguished by examining the seat. Early chairs will have a single thick plank that is scooped out like a saddle on the upside for downside comfort. Generally, the top of legs can seen protruding through this seat. Underneath, one may feel wavy undulations from hand planing and see a darkly oxidized surface with traces of unstripped paint near where the legs are socketed. Novices should not gamble on a Windsor with legs that do not protrude through the plank. Multiple board seats are the neon beacon of a contemporary chair.
Other things being equal, armchairs are more valuable than sidechairs. A Windsor that has been stripped of its paint exposing the beautiful wood underneath can still have substantial value, however, five figure Windsors retain their original paint. Form is essential. Gutsy bulbous turnings, balanced proportion, verticality, splay to the legs, rake to the back, a saddle shaped seat, carving (if present) to the knuckles and comb, lightness, strength, quaintness, durability, grace-the sum of these qualities can metamorphose functional seating furniture into a work of art.
The spindled back can take on a number shapes: low back, fan back, comb back, brace back, loop back, continuous arm, sack back, rod back, and birdcage. Sometimes the chairs were designed with writing arms and storage drawers. Tiny chairs were turned and joined for wealthy tots. Windsor design also shows up in the form of highchairs, cradles, candlestands, tables, stools, settees, and racks. Writing arm, childsize, and Windsors of unusual form are competitively sought by collectors.
Fortunately, unlike most other forms of antique furniture, many Windsors were "signed." The maker's name can often be found stamped, branded or labeled pasted to the bottom of the seat. Obviously, a signed chair has additional merit. Antique English Windsors do show up in the states. They are normally heavier than their American counterparts. Some retain curving "cabriole" legs in the front. Valuable English Windsors can sometimes be purchased cheaply at country auctions if the dealers are wearing their American-only horseblinders. One of the most successful furniture forms of all time, Windsors lend themselves to any decorating style. Joiner David Lawrence got it right in his July 19, 1787 advertisement printed in Providence's US Chronicle, "Windsor Chairs. Neat elegant strong. Warranted of good seasoned materials. So firmly put together as not to deceive the Purchaser by an untimely coming to Pieces."
