So, you've brought home a beauty, a classic, a Nichols & Stone Windsor chair. Congratulations! Now, the burning question: How old is this charmer? Let's play detective!
First Impressions: The Vibe Check
Forget carbon dating! The first step is a good, old-fashioned vibe check. Does this chair scream "Colonial Williamsburg" or whisper "Mad Men" with a twist?
Is it perfectly prim and proper, or does it have a touch of mid-century modern swagger? The overall style gives a big clue.
The Mark of the Maker: The Stamp Says It All
Time to get personal. Flip that chair over and look for the Nichols & Stone stamp. This is your best friend in this dating game.
Older stamps often have a more elaborate design, sometimes even including the town name, Gardner, Massachusetts. Later stamps tend to be simpler, more modern.
No stamp? Don't despair! Some early pieces weren't marked, so keep digging.
Dating Through Details: The Devil's in the… Legs?
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Take a good look at the legs. Are they straight and simple, or do they have fancy turnings?
More elaborate legs often point to older models. Think of it like comparing a simple t-shirt to a Victorian dress – different eras, different levels of fuss!
Also consider the feet! Simple splayed feet might indicate a later date than ornate, carved feet. It’s all about the details.
Color Me Clueless? The Paint's Tale
What color is your chair? Original paint (if you can tell!) can be a good indicator. Think about popular colors of different eras.
A bright, avocado green might hint at the 1970s, while a dark, milk paint might scream "early American!". Just remember, repainting happens, so take this clue with a grain of salt.
Hardware Hints: Screws and Such
Believe it or not, even the screws can tell a story. Older chairs often used hand-cut screws, which look slightly irregular under close inspection.
Later models use machine-made screws, which are perfectly uniform. It's like comparing a hand-written letter to a typed email - both get the message across, but one has a certain charm.
The "Feel" Factor: A Gut Feeling (Seriously!)
Sometimes, dating a Nichols & Stone chair is more about intuition. Does it feel like it's been loved and passed down through generations?
Does it have a certain weight, a certain solidity that speaks to quality craftsmanship? Trust your gut!
Maybe there is a small mark on the chair as if it was a reminder of childhood home.
Ask the Experts (When All Else Fails)
Still stumped? Don't be afraid to call in the experts! Antique dealers and furniture appraisers have seen it all. A clear photo of the chair and any markings can help them work their magic.
They might even have encountered your chair's twin at a local antique show!
Ultimately, dating a Nichols & Stone Windsor chair is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of uncovering its history, and appreciate the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. Whether it's 50 or 150 years old, your chair has a story to tell. Just listen closely.
