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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1228977
FOR SALE
£1,200
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Pair of Mid 19th Century Birch Smokers Bow Windsor or Captain’s Chairs of Superb Patina
LVS Decorative Arts
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200
LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011
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    LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1228977
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Pair of Mid 19th Century Birch Smokers Bow Windsor or Captain’s Chairs of Superb Patina

19th century
Description

A pair of mid 19th century (circa 1870) birch smokers bow Windsor or Captain’s chairs of superb patina.

These chairs each consist of a deep, shaped back support leading down to broad arms, similar to those found on a broad-armed Windsor chair, leading down to eight turned spindle supports joining the arms to the seat.

This leads down to a deep, dished birch seat supported by turned legs with vase-shaped feet, the legs supported by double H-form turned stretchers.

This style of chair was known as a smokers bow chair, office chair or Captain's chair and are possibly one of the most comfortable wooden seated chairs due to their design. They were often found in offices, men's clubs and pubs due to their robust structure and were produced in many areas in England.

Many of these type of chairs were produced in the mid to latter part of the 19th century although evidence shows that they started producing this design from 1849.

These chairs are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 30.5'' / 77.5cm

Width: 26'' / 66cm

Depth: 20'' / 50.75cm

Seat height: 18'' / 45.75cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
77.5cm (30.51")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
50.8cm (20.00")
Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these Birch Smokers Bow Armchairs to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1228977
Dealers Internal Reference
LVS1500
Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description
A pair of mid 19th century (circa 1870) birch smokers bow Windsor or Captain’s chairs of superb patina.

These chairs each consist of a deep, shaped back support leading down to broad arms, similar to those found on a broad-armed Windsor chair, leading down to eight turned spindle supports joining the arms to the seat.

“
This leads down to a deep, dished birch seat supported by turned legs with vase-shaped feet, the legs supported by double H-form turned stretchers.
LVS Decorative Arts
fig 1. A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.
fig 1. Pair of Mid 19th Century Birch Smokers Bow Windsor or Captain’s Chairs of Superb Patina

This style of chair was known as a smokers bow chair, office chair or Captain's chair and are possibly one of the most comfortable wooden seated chairs due to their design. They were often found in offices, men's clubs and pubs due to their robust structure and were produced in many areas in England.

fig 2. A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.
fig 2. Pair of Mid 19th Century Birch Smokers Bow Windsor or Captain’s Chairs of Superb Patina

Many of these type of chairs were produced in the mid to latter part of the 19th century although evidence shows that they started producing this design from 1849.

These chairs are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 30.5'' / 77.5cm

Width: 26'' / 66cm

Depth: 20'' / 50.75cm

Seat height: 18'' / 45.75cm

Height
77.5cm (30.51")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
50.8cm (20.00")
Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these Birch Smokers Bow Armchairs to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1228977
Dealers Internal Ref
LVS1500
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2011
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the LVS Decorative Arts Profile Page

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.
1 / 12
Archive I A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.

Pair of mid 19th century birch smokers bow Windsor or Captain’s chairs of superb patina

Archive II A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View II
Archive III A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View III
Archive IV A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View IV
Archive V A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View V
Archive VI A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View VI
Archive VII A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View IX
Archive X A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View X
Archive XI A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View XI
Archive XII A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers. View XII
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LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts
Telephone 07703 306451
Location
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified Since May 2011
Items For Sale 234
Items Sold 1,083
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Verified Since May 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified
May 2011
For Sale
234
Sold
1,083
A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.
Pair of mid 19th century birch smokers bow Windsor or Captain’s chairs of superb patina
Ref: SA1228977
A pair of 19th-century birch smokers bow Windsor armchairs featuring steam-bent armrails, turned spindles, saddle seats, and turned legs with stretchers.
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FAQs

A smokers bow chair is a low-backed Victorian armchair characterised by a steam-bent continuous armrail supported by turned spindles. Originally popular in 19th-century public houses and clubs, it evolved directly from traditional country Windsor chair construction.

These chairs were crafted using regional English hardwoods such as birch, elm, ash, or beech. The solid saddle seats were typically carved from a single plank, while the legs, stretchers, and back spindles were turned on a lathe.

Authentic 19th-century examples display hand-turned legs and spindles, socket-and-tenon joinery, and a hand-shaped saddle seat. Natural wear patterns on the front stretcher and hand-carved tool marks beneath the seat also indicate period construction.

These armchairs serve as functional desk seating in a home study or as occasional armchairs in a living room. Combining warm wooden tones with contemporary textiles or minimalist modern decor creates a balanced, timeless contrast.

Maintain the timber finish by dusting regularly with a soft dry cloth and applying a clear beeswax polish once or twice a year. Keep the wooden frame away from direct heat sources and humid environments to prevent cracking or movement.
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