Antique John Shadford ‘Caistor’ Ash & Elm Rocking Chair, c.1850–1890

An unusual 19th century Caistor rocking chair, attributable to John Shadford, chair maker and wood turner of Caistor, Lincolnshire.

This is a particularly distinctive regional chair, with a tall spindle back, broad shaped crest rail, scroll arms and a substantial turned underframe set onto long wooden rockers. The back is made up of two rows of finely turned spindles, with further turned work through the arms, supports, legs and stretchers.

The attribution is supported by a documented example of the ‘Caistor’ chair, illustrated as an ash chair with elm seat and dated c.1850–90. The accompanying reference notes that this particular chair style was illustrated by John Shadford in his workshop notebook and may have been both designed and made by him.

There is a great deal of old surface remaining. The dark stained finish has worn naturally across the arms, crest rail, spindles and underframe, revealing the lighter timber beneath in places. It gives the chair a very distinctive appearance and is very much part of its history rather than something we would want to refinish.

A genuinely interesting piece of Lincolnshire vernacular furniture, with considerably more behind it than the average Victorian rocking chair.

Dimensions

Width: 57cm

Height: 108cm

Depth: 71cm

Seat height: 41cm

Condition

Good antique condition with considerable age and wear throughout. The original dark stained surface is heavily worn in places, particularly across the crest rail, arms and turned elements, with numerous old marks, knocks, scratches and areas where the lighter timber shows through. This wear has been left untouched and forms an important part of the chair’s character and appearance. Please study the photographs carefully for the best indication of condition.

Please note

This is an antique piece and shows the marks, wear and irregularities that come with well over a century of use. We do our best to describe and photograph condition accurately, but old furniture will rarely be perfect. Please study the photographs carefully and feel free to ask if you would like any further information before purchasing.

john shadford chair, caistor rocking chair, antique rocking chair, victorian rocking chair, ash elm rocking chair, lincolnshire chair, caistor chair, antique windsor chair, victorian windsor chair, 19th century chair, antique spindle chair, english rocking chair, antique armchair