The rocking chair is symbolic of leisure time, of quiet moments before the fire and of summer evenings on the front porch. It is this imagery that makes antique rocking chairs a favorite of collectors. They have a distinctly Americana appeal, though they are not an American invention. With the exception of the Windsor style, however, the common styles of rockers, such as the Shaker and the Adirondack, are of American design.
History
Putting rockers on stationary chairs, and so turning them into rockers, may have begun as early as the 15th century in Europe. But it wasn't until the mid-18th century that chairs were designed and produced as rocking chairs. The Swedish rocking chair, the Gungstol, which had six legs, was originally designed circa 1740. At the same time in England, the Windsor rocker was invented, deriving its name from Windsor castle. The Windsor was introduced to the American colonies in 1750, and the Americans adopted it as their own.
Types
The American furniture makers reworked the Windsor and the Windsor style, both in stationary and rocker chairs, became a part of the American culture. The back frame is rounded and the back is formed from bowed spindles. The legs are splayed and pegged into the seat and rockers.
In 1840, the Boston rocker became popular. Like the Windsor, the back is made up of spindles. The seat, though, curves downward in the front and up the back. The arms follow that shape and the back frame is a crest, rather than a hoop form like the Windsor.
The Grecian rocker was also popular during the 19th century. This rocker is upholstered, has a curved back and the arms are carved, supported by forms in the shape of eagles or swans or similar motifs. The Grecian rocker is often referred to as the Lincoln rocker. President Lincoln was seated in just such a chair when he was assassinated.
Considerations
These early rocking chairs earned a nickname for themselves: carpet cutters. The motion of the rockers would eventually cut into the carpets, giving rise to the platform rocker. This invention set the chair atop a stable platform and springs were used to allow for the rocking motion. These were not very popular, however, as the springs wore out quickly and the motion was not as smooth.
Identification
Antique rocking chairs of any style can be identified in much the same way as their stationary counterparts, with extra attention paid to characteristics unique to the rocker.
An antique rocker should show wear on the armrests, particularly where the hands would rest. Where the seat and back join should also show wear. These two areas are subject to repeated pressure from the rocking motion.
The bottom of the rockers should be worn, but in good condition. The wood on the bottom of the rockers where they meet the floor should be worn, perhaps to the point where the finish is gone. The ends of the rockers should be near perfect, as these parts do not encounter any abrasion.
There are, though it is a rare find, rockers that began life as stationary chairs. Matching the paint of the rockers to the main frame can aid in identifying these antiques. If it's a match, the chair may be a true rocker. If not, the legs were probably shortened and the rockers added.
Significance
The cost of an antique rocker varies anywhere from less than $100 to several hundred dollars. An Adirondack rocker from the early 1900s, for example, may cost about $300. Because the rocking chair is, in antique terms, a newcomer, older rockers are often found in attics and basements, as well as second hand shops. These are probably the most common resources for antique rockers dating from the early twentieth century. Online auction sites may also have them available, but these items are difficult to review in person prior to purchase and thus make identifying the quality and period of the rocker difficult.
Expert Insight
The origin of the rocking chair is undocumented, though its invention is often attributed to the American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706 to 1790). He did, however, fit curved pieces of wood to the legs of a stationary chair, and so this may be why the design is attributed to him. But Franklin was not the first to add rockers to a chair and he may have seen this done during his travels in Europe.
Tags: rocking chair, rocking chairs, antique rocker, back arms, back frame, bottom rockers