I wanted to  show you a rocker. I can't take credit for anything. Years ago my wife and  I went to a big flea market. Back off to one side she saw a rocking chair. She loves them and I have built a couple and restored one. This one had wicker, busted wicker. The wicker looked bad. She asked if I could fix it. I laughed. Only thing I could do was make new wooden parts. We got it really cheap. I did some research and found an expert at Ohio university. I emailed her she told me about our chair. It was an early Lincoln rocker and was a nursing rocker. It was very old and she had never seen one, except pictures. She was also an expert at caning, or weaving the the broken seat and back.  I told her I was going to refinish it and she said NO, don't touch it!  I didn't.  She charged us $150 to recane it. The value was estimated to be over $500 back then.  A real jewel.  

Nice little return on investment. Also, a nice looking rocker

What a great story and a great looking rocker. I'd say you got a deal there.

Herb

A beautiful rocker. You made a wise investment. Any idea of it's actual age?

Ron that is a great rocker! I am so glad you did not refinish it, that chair worked really hard to acquire that patina. I am guessing maple? Absolutely cool Ron, and I am glad you found a qualified caner to replace the seat, very nice. I keeper for sure.

Very cool Ron,

Cal

What everyone else said!

 

Beautiful!

The lady said that these were made during the time Lincoln was president, thus the name. Lincoln was assassinated while sitting on a rocker. There are several styles of caning and she knew how it was done in that era, few cane that way anymore. So she replicated the style.  I'm guessing that it is Maple too

Wow, made in the 1860s, then. You are blessed to have such a item in your home.

Beautiful @Ron Altier...awesome find and even more so on your research to restore correct to period. This is truly a family heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.

Type up the story, place in a small envelope, fold and attached underneath to solid piece of the chair bottom. The story not only enhances the value but validates the history.

Thanks for sharing it with us. Great thread!

A real Beauty

Type up the story, place in a small envelope, fold and attached underneath to solid piece of the chair bottom. The story not only enhances the value but validates the history.

 

 

Thanks Dave  great idea

Whoa,  I have one similar to that.  Never expected to see that.  Bought mine several years ago either at an estate sale or an auction.  Have no idea about it's age or history, but I love it, and it is soooo comfortable.

@oldbutnotinthewayyet...deja vu all over again...how cool is that (this)! Thanks for sharing...

Welcome aboard oldbut...

Grab your rocker and sit a spell, and shoot the breeze with us.l

Cal

I wish I knew the story behind these two old rockers that I bought to restore many years ago...

 

 

 

 

@John Morrisis our resident rocker expert (Not me, I'm off mine!).  Maybe with a shout out he will have a bit of info on these for you.

What a really neat subject and nice rework.  I really do love the little sailor rocker.