What is the origin and history of the shield back chair design?

Popularised in late 18th-century England by furniture designer George Hepplewhite, shield back chairs feature a distinctive open backrest shaped like a heraldic shield, often decorated with pierced splats or carved foliate motifs.

What materials and construction techniques are traditional for shield back dining chairs?

These chairs are typically crafted from solid timbers such as mahogany or satinwood, utilizing mortise and tenon joinery alongside square tapered or cabriole legs, paired with drop-in or fixed upholstered seats.

How can authentic Hepplewhite-style shield back chairs be identified?

Authentic examples display crisp hand-carved details on the backrest splat, balanced proportions, pegged timber joints, natural age-related surface patination, and traditional webbing or hand-tacked seat frames.

How can mahogany shield back chairs be styled in a modern interior?

Pairing classical mahogany dining chairs with a minimalist light timber or glass dining table creates an engaging visual contrast, while updating seat cushions in contemporary neutral fabrics bridges historic woodwork with modern decor.

How should antique mahogany dining chairs be maintained and preserved?

Dust regularly using a dry microfiber cloth and apply high-grade beeswax twice annually along the grain. Keep wood away from direct radiators or central heating vents to prevent timber shrinkage and loose joints.

for sale €965 $1,048

£825

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Vintage Shield Back Chairs

Id #SA1230972

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Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Name: Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1230972
Price: 825 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century set of eight shield back dining chairs, a handsome and elegant set consisting of six single chairs and two carvers. Well made and of good quality, these attractive chairs combine classic proportions with beautifully detailed period styling.

Each chair features a beautifully carved shield-shaped back, adding an elegant and distinctive feature to the design.

The removable drop-in seats are upholstered in a light-coloured fabric, providing a subtle contrast against the rich tones of the frames.

Raised on tapered legs united by supporting stretchers, the chairs have a refined and well-balanced appearance.The timber displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

All eight chairs have solid frames with no unwanted movement, making them ready for continued use.

Presented in good condition, this very desirable set of eight shield back dining chairs would make a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6295

Measurements :

SINGLES - 51cm Width x 100cm Height x 45cm Seat Height x 44cm Seat Depth

CARVERS - 54.5cm Width x 100cm Height x 45cm Seat Height x 44cm Seat Depth

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

100cm (39.37")

Width

51cm (20.08")

Depth

44cm (17.32")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated these Shield Back Dining Chairs to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1230972

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6295

Description

Antique 20th century set of eight shield back dining chairs, a handsome and elegant set consisting of six single chairs and two carvers.

“

Well made and of good quality, these attractive chairs combine classic proportions with beautifully detailed period styling.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Each chair features a beautifully carved shield-shaped back, adding an elegant and distinctive feature to the design.

The removable drop-in seats are upholstered in a light-coloured fabric, providing a subtle contrast against the rich tones of the frames.

fig 2. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Raised on tapered legs united by supporting stretchers, the chairs have a refined and well-balanced appearance.The timber displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

All eight chairs have solid frames with no unwanted movement, making them ready for continued use.

fig 3. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Presented in good condition, this very desirable set of eight shield back dining chairs would make a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6295

Measurements :

SINGLES - 51cm Width x 100cm Height x 45cm Seat Height x 44cm Seat Depth

fig 4. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

CARVERS - 54.5cm Width x 100cm Height x 45cm Seat Height x 44cm Seat Depth

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

fig 5. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 6. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 7. A set of eight mahogany shield back dining chairs featuring intricate pierced back splats and light cream upholstered seats. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Set of 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.