How do I identify a Howard and Sons armchair?

Look for stamped legs, paper labels, or maker signatures stenciled directly onto the webbing or lining material. Many pieces also feature distinctive casters and specific proportions characteristic of their nineteenth-century London workshops.

Are these armchairs suitable for daily use?

Most antique armchairs are structurally robust enough for regular seating if their internal webbing and springs have been properly maintained. Many nineteenth-century frames were built to withstand heavy daily service. Upholstery condition varies, so check whether the textile covering is original or a later replacement.

How can I tell a Victorian armchair from an Edwardian one?

Victorian armchairs often display heavier carved mahogany or walnut frames with deep button-backed upholstery and robust proportions. Edwardian examples tend to show lighter scaling, subtle revival styling, and brighter wood finishes. Both periods frequently utilise patterned fabric and cotton textiles.