Can these chairs handle daily dining?

Yes, provided the joints remain tight. You'll want to inspect the connection between the back uprights and the seat rails. If they feel firm and don't rock, they will serve well for regular family meals. Keep them away from direct heat sources. Radiators dry out the old animal glue and cause the frame to wobble. A stable environment keeps the timber joints secure.

I have a set of dining chairs that look like this but the seats are covered in a modern fabric. Does recovering them ruin the historical value?

Seat covers change constantly. Upholstery is a wearing part and replacing it is standard practice in the trade. A fresh fabric actually protects the underlying seat frame from dirt and damage. Dealers expect to see modern textiles on old frames. As long as the upholsterer avoided driving new tacks into fragile timber, the chair structure remains sound. It doesn't harm the historical integrity at all.

What fabric suits a shield back chair?

Silk damask was the standard choice for formal drawing rooms. It reflects light and complements the dark mahogany tones. Haircloth was another popular option for heavy daily wear, offering a tough surface. Modern buyers often choose plain linens. A simple fabric draws the eye to the carved wooden splat rather than competing with it. You'll find cotton blends work well for frequent use.

My chairs have small brass castors on the front legs but none on the back ones. Is this how the cabinet maker originally designed them?

Cabinet makers often fitted castors just to the front legs. This allowed servants to lift the back of the chair and wheel it easily into place. It saves the rear legs from unnecessary wear.

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Victorian Shield Back Chairs

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A light, elegant seating form defined by an open, shield-shaped backrest resting on a carved splat, most often used for formal dining or drawing rooms.