Sold: A Pair of Antique 19th Century Captains Chairs

Name: A Pair of Antique 19th Century Captains Chairs
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1236438
Price: 265 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectArmchairs
Period19th century
StyleVictorian Country
MaterialElm, Ash, Oak
ColourDark Brown
MotifsTurned spindles, Contoured saddle seat, Horseshoe armrest

This pair of nineteenth-century captain's armchairs exemplifies the Victorian country style, constructed from elm and ash with a dark brown timber finish. Each armchair features a contoured saddle seat, a horseshoe-shaped armrest supported by vertically turned spindles, and heavily turned legs joined together by ring-turned stretchers. The timber displays natural grain patterns and warm patination acquired through age and use. These armchairs suit placement within a traditional study, a home library, or a dining room setting, providing functional seating with historical character. They stand 81 cm in height with a seat height of 45 cm, a width of 64 cm, and a depth of 47 cm.

FAQs

A captains chair, also known as a smokers bow or tub chair, is a traditional low-backed wooden armchair featuring a steam-bent continuous armrest, vertical turned spindles, and a shaped seat. Popularised during the 19th century, these sturdy armchairs were widely used in commercial, office, pub, and maritime environments.

Traditional English captains chairs were typically crafted using native hardwoods such as elm for the contoured saddle seat due to its split-resistant grain, with turned legs, stretchers, and spindles made from ash, beech, or oak.

Authentic 19th-century pieces usually exhibit hand-turned spindle details, wedge-joint construction where the legs pass through the seat, natural wear to the footrests, and an aged patination on the timber from years of handling.

These dark wood armchairs serve as functional accent pieces alongside a home office desk, within a reading alcove, or placed opposite a modern sofa to introduce historic warmth and textural contrast.

Preserve the finish by dusting regularly with a soft cloth and applying a quality beeswax polish once or twice a year, keeping the timber away from direct heat sources and excessive moisture to prevent warping or cracking.

W H Barker Antiques

A Pair of Antique 19th Century Captains Chairs