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A 19th Century Mahogany Reading Chair
Sold by W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
sold SA1057330
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2011
Browse dealers 250 items
  • About Us
    English and continental furniture, mirrors and decorative objects from the 18th & 19th centuries.
  • Trade Associations
    W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1057330
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A 19th Century Mahogany Reading Chair

19th century
Sold 22 July 2025 · W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
This “19th Century Mahogany Reading Chair” found a buyer.

It was listed by W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Armchair with DeskMahogany Study ChairPeriod Reading Chair Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A good quality mahogany Reading Chair. In very good and original condition, retaining its original castors, upholstery and book rest. Standing on turned front and swept back legs and with a comfortable frame that has a brass ferrule in each arm to accept the brass supporting arm for the mahogany adjustable book rest. 870mm high, 780mm wide, 870mm deep and 420mm seat height. English. Circa 1870.

Date of Manufacture

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd. has dated this Victorian Mahogany Reading Chair to the 1870s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
78cm (30.71")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
42cm (16.54")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1057330
Dealers Notes

W.J.Gravener Antiques are proud members of LAPADA, The London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association.

We offer an approachable and friendly service and we are always happy to hear from clients, both new and established.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Description
A good quality mahogany Reading Chair. In very good and original condition, retaining its original castors, upholstery and book rest.
“
Standing on turned front and swept back legs and with a comfortable frame that has a brass ferrule in each arm to accept the brass supporting arm for the mahogany adjustable book rest.
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

870mm high, 780mm wide, 870mm deep and 420mm seat height. English. Circa 1870.

Date of Manufacture

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd. has dated this Victorian Mahogany Reading Chair to the 1870s.

Height
78cm (30.71")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
42cm (16.54")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1057330
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2011

English and continental furniture, mirrors and decorative objects from the 18th & 19th centuries.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd. Profile Page

Trade Associations

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A 19th Century Mahogany Reading Chair

Archive II A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico. View VII
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W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
Telephone 07712 651231
Location
Unit 1
Warren Farm Stables
Sundridge
Nr Sevenoaks
Kent
TN14 6EE
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wjantiques
Verified Since Oct 2011
Items For Sale 250
Items Sold 1,442
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.
Verified Since Oct 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 1 , Warren Farm Stables , Sundridge , Nr Sevenoaks , Kent , TN14 6EE, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/wjantiques
Verified
Oct 2011
For Sale
250
Sold
1,442
A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico.
A 19Th Century Mahogany Reading Chair
Ref: SA1057330
A nineteenth-century mahogany reading chair with an attached brass arm and wooden book rest, shown in an un-upholstered frame state revealing internal padding and calico.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass, Horsehair, Calico
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsTurned wooden legs, Brass castor wheels, Articulating book rest, Padded armrests
  • SizeH 78 cm (31 in) x W 87 cm (34 in) x D 42 cm (17 in)

FAQs

Victorian reading chairs, sometimes historically referred to as cockfighting or library chairs, were designed in the 19th century to allow the sitter to straddle the seat facing backwards, resting their arms on a padded top rail while utilizing an attached pivoting book rest.

These chairs were typically constructed using solid mahogany or walnut frames, featuring brass swivel mechanisms for the adjustable book rest, traditional horsehair stuffing, and heavy linen or calico foundation layers beneath the final upholstery.

Authentic pieces feature period-appropriate hand-cut joinery, solid timber frames made of dense mahogany, heavy cast brass hardware for the articulating desk arm, and traditional hand-stuffed upholstery foundations.

This type of functional seating works effectively as a statement piece in a study or home office, offering a distinct historical silhouette that pairs well with contemporary minimalist desks or traditional wood-panelled walls.

Preservation involves keeping the wooden frame conditioned with appropriate wax, protecting textiles from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and consulting professional conservators for traditional re-upholstery using period-accurate materials.
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