Mid 19th Century Bow
A mid 19th century bow brings together robust Windsor seating and musical or miniature works, offering direct connection to Victorian craftsmanship.
Mid 19th Century Bow
A mid 19th century bow search predominantly uncovers smokers bow armchairs, often called captain's chairs or Windsor elbow chairs, alongside violin bows, miniature bow front chests, and occasional fire guards. These sturdy seating pieces originate from the Victorian era, spanning decades from eighteen-fifty to eighteen-seventy.
The seating forms appear individually or in matched and harlequin sets ranging from pairs up to eight chairs. Alongside these seating options, the selection accommodates smaller domestic items and musical accessories shaped by the same period's output.
Materials and construction methods
Makers built these chairs using mixed timbers, frequently pairing elm seats with ash, beech, birch, or oak frames. Violin bows utilise pernambuco and ebony mounted with silver, reflecting the specialist materials required for musical instruments.
Cabinet makers constructed miniature chests using mahogany, employing curved front boards that define the bow front style. Woodturners and chair bodgers shaped spindles and steam-bent the continuous arm rails characteristic of the seating.
A girl holding a bowl shares the nineteenth century space with miniature chests and eight-piece sets of chairs.
Distinctions in quality and finish
Quality rests upon the selection of timber figure, such as richly grained elm seats and nicely figured birch or satin birch surfaces. Chairs with deep, untouched patinas and robust structural integrity command higher regard than those with diminished timber surfaces.
The articulation of turned spindles, the comfort and sweep of the bentwood arm bow, and the integrity of glued joints separate standard utility seating from finer examples produced for domestic parlours or offices.
Dominique Peccatte·Mappin Bros·Miles Birket Foster
The Mid 19th Century Bow Glossary
- Smokers bow
- A robust low-backed Windsor armchair featuring a continuous bentwood rail forming the arms and back. These chairs served studies, smoking rooms, and offices.
- Captain's chair
- An alternative name often applied to low-backed wooden armchairs with steam-bent arms. They share common traits with smokers bows.
- Harlequin set
- A collection of chairs that match in general style and period but display minor variations in turning or timber because they were gathered together over time rather than bought as one original set.
- Pernambuco
- A dense, heavy Brazilian hardwood prized for making violin bows because of its elasticity and strength. It forms the shaft alongside ebony frogs.
Mid 19th Century Bow: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smokers bow?
A smokers bow is a sturdy wooden armchair with a low, rounded back and continuous bentwood arm rail, designed for comfort in studies and smoking rooms.
These chairs typically combine an elm seat with turned spindle legs and supports made from ash, beech, or birch.
How do I care for nineteenth century elm?
Elm responds best to gentle dusting and occasional application of traditional wax to nourish the dry timber and maintain its natural patina.
Keep wooden furniture away from direct heat sources and sudden humidity changes to prevent timber movement or splitting.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most examples offer generous proportions and supportive low backs, making them practical for seating around a dining table or desk.
Solid wood seats lack upholstery padding, so adding a loose cushion can increase comfort for prolonged sitting.
What distinguishes a captain's chair from a Windsor chair?
A captain's chair is essentially a low-backed variety of Windsor chair featuring a continuous curved arm rail supported by turned spindles.
Both types share traditional country chair construction methods, utilising pegged joints and solid saddle-shaped wooden seats.