Buying Antique Tub Chairs

Tub chairs have been popular for hundreds of years, so buying a real antique tub chair can be a challenge. If you find an “antique” chair you like, check it over carefully before you buy. Many traditional tub chairs are actually reproduction pieces produced in the 1920′s-still antiques, yes, but not as valuable as you would think.

First, check the underside of the chair itself. If you can feel a “hoop” of wood edging the bottom of the chair, chances are good that it was manufactured out of solid wood, with webbing supporting the seat. The backsides of the legs may show some tool marks near the upholstery. Check for loose fabric around the legs and at the seams; most loose fabric can be repaired without damaging the value of the chair itself, but badly frayed seams may indicate structural problems.

Very old tub chairs may not have a fabric bottom, allowing you to see the inside of the chair itself. Look for bits of horsehair sticking out of the netting. Foam is a sign that the chair is probably less than a hundred years old, or has been re-upholstered. Craftsman’s marks-sometimes carved into the wood, often printed on the chair frame itself-are a sign of good quality, though you should always investigate any furniture dealer’s claims that the craftsman’s mark is genuine.

If buying the chair for a collection, the age and condition are the most important considerations. However, if you plan to live with your antiques and use them every day, try the chair out before you buy it. If it doesn’t sit well, is wobbly, or sends up a cloud of dust when you sit on it, pass on purchasing it and find another chair.

Although tub chairs are often found in antique shops, other places to buy them include furniture restorers, online shops, and even yard sales. Purchasing an antique furniture guide and checking any chairs you find may find a true treasure at a bargain cost.

photo credit: Roland Ster