Antique Empire Style Pre-Civil War Velvet Upholstered Sofa, Matching Upholstered Chippendale Style Wing Chair. This antique sofa has been passed down through my family since it was originally acquired, which I believe to be some time shortly before the Civil War. The sofa is most likely mahogany; it has some small scratches and dings from normal wear over the last 170 years. To my knowledge, the finish is original. When my grandmother owned the sofa, she had the fabric on the back replaced, and her upholsterer said there was a date inside the sofa which he discovered when he removed the previous fabric. He wrote down what he saw; please see the photo of his invoice, which reads. I dont know the exact location of this writing/stamping, other than that its somewhere along the top piece of wood that goes across the back. I examined the backing to see if there is any way I could remove it, as its just tacked on, but the tacks are firmly seated in the wood, and Im afraid of ripping the backing fabric or causing damage to the sofa. I estimate the age of the chair itself to be around 100 years old, give or take a few years. The wooden legs are possibly walnut; theyre unfinished. It appears the arms are not symmetrical when viewed straight from the front. I dont know why this is so, and actually had never noticed it until I took these photos. The chair seems to be solid and well put together with no looseness anywhere. Both pieces were reupholstered in the late 1960s with the fabric you see in the photos; the stripes are gold and Williamsburg blue raised velvet. The cream backing fabric on the sofa which had been done in 1962 was neither removed nor replaced at that time. The sofa measures approximately 95 long, 33 tall, and 29 front to back. It has springs in the seat cushion, and is most likely stuffed with horsehair. The back of the sofa is solid wood from the top down to about 6 from the bottom. All upholstery on the sofa is in good condition with hardly any wear; it hasnt been sat on much in the last 50-plus years. No rips, tears, holes, or fading are noted. The back seems to be one solid piece of wood which stops about 8 from the bottom. I also have all four original casters and hardware, which were removed from the sofa many years ago (not pictured). NOTE: One of the arms (on the right in the main photo) is very slightly loose, and has been that way for well over 60 years. Ive tried to photograph the area where it appears to be the loosest, which is the part directly underneath the swan on the right side. Im not sure how the arm is attached; the sofa would most likely have to be disassembled in order to figure it out. The arm itself seems to be firmly attached, but can be wiggled slightly. This doesnt affect the sofas seating capability, and would only pose a problem if someone were to put full body weight on the arm. The chair measures approximately 40 tall at the back, 31 wide arm to arm, and 32 front to back. Actual seating area (cushion measurement) is approximately 20 x 20. I dont believe there are springs in the seat cushion, and the stuffing material is unknown. The chair shows some signs of light wear, mainly on the edges of the arm and seat cushion; the upholstery seems to have faded somewhat, although its never been in direct sunlight. From a non-smoking, pet-free home. I have more photos which I can send, and will be happy to answer any questions. Youll need to bring your own help for loading; it will take at least two strong people, perhaps three, to manage this sofa. Located on main level; two steps down at front door, and then a very short carry distance to your vehicle. Located in La Plata, MD 20646. You’re welcome to make an appointment to come by and see the sofa/chair in person; I encourage this. We have a clean, virus-free home; please bring your own masks. The item “Antique Empire Style Pre-Civil War Velvet Sofa with Swan Detail, Antique Chair” is in sale since Tuesday, August 4, 2020. This item is in the category “Antiques\Furniture\Sofas & Chaises\1800-1899″. The seller is “gwynhwyfar30″ and is located in La Plata, Maryland. This item can’t be shipped, the buyer must pick up the item.
- Region of Origin: America
- Style: Empire
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Time Period Manufactured: 1800-1899
- Type: Sofa
