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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Dear Journal of Antiques
and Collectibles –
This is a chair I just
picked up while going to the
Brimfield Antique Shows.
Something about it drew my
attention and I love the
softness to it. The dealer
seemed unsure about its back-
ground, but I think the color
is true and it is quite sturdy.
I have photoshopped the
picture of the top of the chair
to show the stenciling clearer,
and the picture of under the
seat, also, to hopefully make it
easier to figure out the maker?
I really can’t tell if this is
real or not, if the wear is real
or not, or if it is some modern
take on the chair. I think it
says it was made in Gardner,
Massachusetts, and in the
1800s, or is the design from
the 1800s.
I have many questions but in Windsor style chairs. Bentwood is a type of furniture manufactured
love it no matter what. from bending wood using water and steam to soften the wood allowing
I look forward to learning it to be bent and formed into furniture. There are furniture companies
more about it. that specialize in bentwood furniture.
Maura I would have to inspect your chair to make an accurate appraisal but
by the pictures sent I believe your particular Windsor style farmhouse
Hello Maura and con- side chair in black paint circa the 1880s/90s is manufacturer-branded
gratulations on purchasing on the bottom of the seat: S Brent & Bros Inc, 1867, Gardner Mass.
a great chair. You have a It is amazingly in its original finish and shows wear which gives it
good eye for great antiques! great character. The brown/gold stenciling on the comb is worn but
Your chair is real and complete. It shows no screws added to make it tight, which is the most
not a modern knock-off. common later addition to these old chairs. The legs and braces look
It is a genuine S Bent & tight with one front leg showing an adjustment made on the end.
Brothers Windsor style Overall, the chair is in good condition for its age. If I were to see
chair manufactured in this chair at a well-advertised auction, I would expect to pay an
Gardner Massachusetts estimated $135/$150.
circa the 1880s/90s. Samuel These old S Bent Windsor chairs were well made and are getting
Bent & brothers Charles harder to find in un-tampered with condition, but they were mass-
and Roderic started a produced and good sturdy antique S Bent & Bros. chairs are available
colonial revival furniture at reasonable prices, unlike custom-built chairs of the same age whose
company and incorporated value is much higher.
in 1867 manufacturing A good suggestion would be not to refinish this chair. It looks great
high-quality furniture and best known for their Windsor style chairs. the way it is.
Gardner Massachusetts was known as the chair capital of the world at Now Maura, pull up the chair, pour yourself a cup of freshly brewed
one time, giving a home to many big-name furniture companies like tea, and read your copy of the best antiques journal in the world,
Heywood-Wakefield among others. Samuel Bent & Brothers manufac- Journal of Antiques and Collectibles.
tured their line of furniture from three wood types; maple, ash, and David Moore CAA
pine stained to look like oak. They were known to make Windsor
chairs for colleges with the college crest stenciled on the comb. These David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team
chairs are highly collectible. The company was actually in business until for the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors
the year 2000. graduate and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques
It seems that there is a misconception causing some confusion with Appraiser. Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and sell-
S. Bent Windsor chairs and Bentwood Chairs. They are not one or the ing the rare and unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David
is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques
same. S. Bent & Brothers mass-produced quality furniture, specializing appraisal business.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more
about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to
editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or call the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

42 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles