Per jayk's eBay listing he notes it as Grand Rapids Chair Co. per the reference picture in Don Mareks book, as copied below. I think its a clear ID match, but interestingly Rago/Cohen didn't ID it in their sale - Mareks book goes back to '87 and the catalog pic is '00. Anyways, I didn't post the estimate and sale price because, as you might guess, it's lower than what he is asking on ebay.
I've found three examples of this chair that have sold at the craftsman auctions thru the years. I don't have each individual catalouge out right now, but from memory none of them have been identified by the auction house. One was loose, OF, and sold for around $400, another was in very good condition and sold for around $600. And then there was one that was in very good original finish that brought $1,600. I realize that the 1600 is probably a fluke and a more reasonable price would be in the neighborhood of $800 or so, which I would be happy with. You just never know with ebay, you gotta start somewhere, why not high! If you believe Don Mareks attribution to the maker with his chair, I think it's pretty realistic to attribute my chair to them as well. It's not a common design and for it to have so many similarities is uncanny. I feel safe in saying that these chairs were all made by the same company. Thanks for the info. It really is a great chair from a style standpoint. It can be viewed in downtown St Joeseph Michigan, at elephants breath antiques. There's a few other items, none are mine at this time, on thier website elephantsbreathantiques.net
St Joe? Sweet. My mom's friend has a condo there and we might go up for the holidays. I'll stop by to see the chair if we make the trip. It is a great chair!! I remember some other good antique places with potential to have A&C. Where do you recommend?
