Recently I bought a "package" of items from a couple in California. It included an L&JG Stickley desk, an unmarked morris chair, an unmarked footstool and an unmarked rocker. The desk was a bit less than exciting, with sun damage and loose joints, but has a lot of character that will jump out with some help.

The real surprise was the Limbert mark under one of the long arms of the morris chair. The measurements match the 517 model.

The question now is whether to restore or relax! It does need some tightening and something to bring back the life in the wood. Also the back support pins don't seem to work quite right and must not be original. I'll send some pictures off to Jerry Cohen to see if he can give me an idea of insurance value.

I'll list the footstool separately and ask for your help identifying it.

Thanks!

Another angle

One more

Last

Frankie says relax!

I was wondering when you'd put these pictures up! Are the arms overcoated? Looks like it from the pictures. If you want to bring the finish back to life, a little paste wax will do. You can use the tinted wax if you think some color needs to be restored, but it looks good from the pics.

As for tightening, how bad is it? I'd live with it for a while, to see if I could live with it If not, I'd have that professionally done.

What are you doing about cushions?

Frank,

Any suggestions on fabric? I'm a bit heavy on the leather side!

Pete

I don't know if you can order it but there is a fabric Ive been seeing on some chairs being advertising in the periodicals, it's tan with larger green dragonflies, dont know how it goes with all your other stuff but I wouldnt mind it on something of mine. Just a thought.

Dano

What color dragonflies?! Do you know where I can research them? There is a fantastic upholsterer here that would be glad to help.

Thanks Dano!

Good Morning Pete,
That is funny that the number on the chair is 517 when in my 1903 catalog the 517 is a settee.

As seen below;

Double dipping on the model # are they Ralph?! The Limbert reprint catalog that I have (book no 119) and this Artfact auction listing both refer to the morris chair as #517.

http://web1.artfact.com/catalo...&hi=1&rem=FALSE&cs=0

View Lot Details
Lot 540: Limbert Morris chair, #517, bent arm adjustable back form with nicely recovered leather cushion and an arched seat rail, lightly recoated original dark finish, branded signature, 31"w x 40"d x 35"h, very good condition

Treadway Toomey Galleries: USA

Auction Date: 2002

Guess they decided to save money on model numbers.

Pete

I also see the #517 used for an arm chair in the Fall, 1905 catalog. Were they saving money on UPC codes??

Any ideas on the maker of the footstool Ralph?

Thanks, Pete

Ok I was wrong, it's green field with brown and tan dragonflies but still pretty neat. Page 64 of the May-August 2009 American Bungalow shows a chair and ottoman by David Gray Furnituremakers :Mutiny Bay Chair & Ottoman, can be seen I'm sure on their website
DGFurnituremakers.com

I'm thinking of seeing if I can get some of that fabric to re-upholster a morris chair of mine I don't like the fabric on. Let us know what you decide.

Dano

Hey Pete,

Here's a possibility:

http://www.treadwaygallery.com/lotInfo.php?i=2317

I bought this JM Young footstool from Treadway earlier this year, primarily because I loved the seat. The upholstery reminded me of Gus armchair 328 as shown in the 1904 catalog (which is on p 61 of the Collected Wrks catalog reprint). The catalog describes it as Craftsman canvas with applique. Craftsman canvas is described in the Craftsman Fabrics and Needlework catalog. Do you have it? You could take it to your upholsterer and match it. Let me know if you need more info.

And here's a picture of the chair Dano mentioned, which is too contemporary for my taste:

http://www.nwfinewoodworking.c...om_furniture_99.htm#

Frank,

I like that pattern--does it wear well?

It's certainly looks a lot nicer than this:

It seems very durable. I can see why you want the cushions redone; I thought you had none. Are the cushions (not upholstery) original?

And I forget about that great sideboard you bought. It really is a great piece!

Frank and Pete, I wasnt really saying that I liked the chair so much as the fabric the chair and ottoman was done in. I'm not really a fan of the chair either, I agree it's a bit modern, but the dragonflys? Solid...

Dano

Is a Praying Mantis pattern considered to be A&C?! I planted some in my garden this summer, they are a blast to watch.

Frank--I believe that the cushion springs and padding are original. But won't know for sure until I go to get them redone. They are very comfortable and solid.

Great find. If it is loose, have a professional square it up, re-glue and clamp it. The finish does look like it has an old overcoat. But finish looks to be original. The nicks can be colored in with some of those restorer liquids. It won't strip the wood. Then I'd wipe it down and apply a paste wax. As for me, I personally go for leather upholstery. That was what was used then. To me, fabric gets dirty. I had a nice stickley bros settle with natural linen upholstery: (it was redone) but again, it just got dirty. I ended up covering it with leather. Finding the right fabric design of the period is hard since few exist. I'd try to keep the chair as close to period as possible like leather otherwise you lower the value of the chair.

Thanks to all for the advice on leather vs cloth upholstery. I opted for the original look and feel of leather and had a local shop do the work. the newness of the leather does make the chair look older! I haven't touched the wood yet. Probably will live with it awhile and then decide the best way to clean it up!

Thanks all

Pete, you made the right choice! Looks great and I love that color.