Child's Slat Back Arm Chair

Period1760 - 1820

MediumMaple, and ash

Dimensions21.25 × 13.75 × 10.8 in. (54 × 34.9 × 27.4 cm)

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineGift of Mrs. William C. Riker

Object number2017.710

DescriptionA diminutive child's chair with three slats, the bottom two of which are arched. The round turned stiles are capped by flattened ball finials with nipples. Turned arms end over baluster turned supports that are part of the front stiles. Horizontal holes have been drilled in the arms just behind the supports so that a rod could be inserted to secure a child in the chair. Four dowel turned stretchers complete the frame. The chair retains its original leather upholstery, which consists of two pieces of leather stitched together and tacked to the seat lists. The chair also retains much of its original green painted finish, now well worn. The arch of the top slat has been broken off.
Curatorial RemarksChairs of this type are generally attributed to the Delaware Valley and/or South Jersey. An increasing number of similar chairs are being found in central New Jersey as well, many with strong provenances intact.

Collections

Furniture