Victorian Mahogany Reclining Invalid’s Wing Armchair

A 19th century mahogany recumbent armchair for invalids by John Ward Ltd. With a reclining wing back, hinged arms and pull-out double racheted foot rest and upholstered in a sage green velvet. On ring-turned front legs and large brass castors and the reverse with label ‘JOHN WARD LTD, Tottenham Court Rd, LONDON W1’.

John Ward went into partnership with Thomas Griffin, invalid chair-maker, 6 Leicester Square in about 1845. By 1851 Griffin had retired and Ward exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 where he was awarded a prize medal. One of his exhibits was the ‘Improved Recumbent Chair for Invalids, spring stuffed, covered with Utrecht velvet, mounted on brass wheels, and adapted for a bed or couch; with shifting elbows, for the convenience of the patient; double action leg-rest ….. etc. ’. The firm appears to have continued trading until 1903.

In very good condition this is a very robust chair with a number of reclining positions, a foot rest that can either be set at an angle or fully raised for use as a day bed and the opening arms are a helpful addition for the less mobile occupant. The upholstery is faded and has some minor marks and of course the wood has the usual marks expected for age. Would look fantastic with button or leather upholstery.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for more photos as we are limited in the number we can upload.

The overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately

Width - 30in (76cm)

Depth - 34in (86.5cm)

Height - 46in (117cm)

Seat - 23in wide x 19 1/2in deep x 21 1/2in high (58.5cm x 49.5cm x 54.5cm)

Ref: 360

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.