How do I identify a Howard and Sons sofa?

Attribution relies on maker stamps, specific leg designs, and structural build quality typical of the firm's nineteenth-century workshops. These pieces often feature sturdy timber frames beneath high-grade upholstery specifications.

What is the difference between a settee and a Chesterfield?

A Chesterfield specifically denotes a deeply buttoned design with arms matching the back height, whereas a settee covers a broader category of double seating. Settees may include open wooden frames, inlaid mahogany, or simple padded backs without deep tufting.

Are these sofas suitable for daily use?

Nineteenth-century frames provide robust timber construction, though interior webbing and padding often benefit from professional restoration. Many surviving pieces arrive with newly renewed upholstery ready for contemporary living spaces.

How do I date a Victorian upholstered sofa?

Dating depends on stylistic shifts in the timber framework, ranging from mid-century rosewood and mahogany chaise longues to late-century ebonised frames. Documented maker signatures and specific Victorian design revivals also narrow the period of manufacture.