C. 1880, Howard & Sons, Button Back Armchair (English).

Newly upholstered in genuine H&S fabric, retaining the original horse hair stuffing. This antique armchair has well turned solid walnut front legs and all of the original brass castors, stamped by the maker, Howard & Sons. One back leg is also stamped with a double row of Howard stock/serial model numbers, and HOWARD & SONS LTD, BERNERS ST.

An elegant, antique, upholstered armchair that features deep buttoning to the shaped back rest. Extremely comfortable.

CONDITION:

Structurally sound. Minor scratches and knocks to feet. Upholstery in good condition.

DIMENSIONS:

93cm H

70cm W

84cm D

Physical Dimensions

Height

93cm (36.61")

Width

70cm (27.56")

Depth

84cm (33.07")

Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this Victorian Button Back Armchair to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1238249

Description

C. 1880, Howard & Sons, Button Back Armchair (English).

Newly upholstered in genuine H&S fabric, retaining the original horse hair stuffing.

“

This antique armchair has well turned solid walnut front legs and all of the original brass castors, stamped by the maker, Howard & Sons.

White Space Antiques

One back leg is also stamped with a double row of Howard stock/serial model numbers, and HOWARD & SONS LTD, BERNERS ST.

fig 1. A late Victorian button back armchair upholstered in blue and white botanical patterned fabric, featuring turned wooden front legs on brass castors. — fig 1. C. 1880, Howard & Sons, Button Back Armchair (English)

An elegant, antique, upholstered armchair that features deep buttoning to the shaped back rest. Extremely comfortable.

CONDITION:

Structurally sound. Minor scratches and knocks to feet. Upholstery in good condition.

DIMENSIONS:

93cm H

70cm W

84cm D

Physical Dimensions

Height

93cm (36.61")

Width

70cm (27.56")

Depth

84cm (33.07")

Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this Victorian Button Back Armchair to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1238249

About the Dealer

White Space Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

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A late Victorian button back armchair upholstered in blue and white botanical patterned fabric, featuring turned wooden front legs on brass castors.

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White Space Antiques

Telephone 07760 835542

Location

Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace

Verified Since Feb 2026

Items For Sale 70

Items Sold 3

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C. 1880, Howard & Sons, Button Back Armchair (English)

Ref: SA1238249

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectArmchairs
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialHardwood, Brass, Cotton Fabric
ColourBlue and White
MotifsButton back tufting, Turned front legs, Brass castors, Scrolled arms
SizeH 93 cm (37 in) x W 70 cm (28 in) x D 84 cm (33 in)

FAQs

Late Victorian button back armchairs are defined by deep buttoning across the padded backrest, low rolled arms, turned timber front legs, and brass castors. Popularised by prominent English cabinetmakers in the late nineteenth century, these chairs were constructed for comfort in drawing rooms and parlours.

Authentic nineteenth-century armchairs typically feature a solid hardwood frame, often beech or oak, stuffed with natural materials such as horsehair, coconut fibre, and down fill. They utilise steel coil springs lashed with jute webbing, mounted on turned wooden legs with cast brass castors.

Authentic pieces by Howard & Sons usually feature maker marks stamped onto the inside of the rear legs or engraved on the brass castors. Additionally, original upholstery frequently displays branded ticking fabric featuring the makers name on the under-seat lining.

A Victorian button back armchair functions as a focal accent piece in a modern living room, bedroom, or study. Pairing classic patterned upholstery with neutral backdrop walls or contemporary side tables creates a balanced interior scheme that highlights historical craft.

Upholstered seating should be kept away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to prevent fabric fading and timber shrinkage. Regular light vacuuming using a soft brush attachment removes dust, while brass castors can be maintained with a dry cloth.