From New England to Philadelphia, the highly competitive trade of Windsor chair making spawned an astounding array of forms. We’ve provided the following pictorial study so that you may better understand the many types and regional styles of early American Windsor chairs made during the 18th century.
Windsor Bowback Side Chair
Rhode Island
An exception example of the Rhode Island style, this Windsor bowback side chair has typical Rhode Island turnings, bulb spindles and a “pinched” or corset back bending.
Windsor Fanback Side Chair
Lancaster, PA
A Lovely and delicate Windsor Fanback Side Chair. The blunt arrow turnings and hand carved comb indicate a Lancaster origin.
Sack-back Windsor Chair w/Comb
Lancaster, PA
A rare triple back form with hand carved knuckles and comb, crisply executed blunt arrow legs and an oval seat.
Windsor Rocker
New England
As with most early rocking chairs, the rockers were probably added after its original construction. Rockers became popular in the early 19th century and were added to many styles, in this case a sack-back Windsor.
Continuous Arm Windsor Chair
New England
Continuous arm Windsor chairs are so named for the single bending that makes up both the arm and the back. This example has a hand carved comb.
Birdcage Arm Windsor Chair
As the 18th century drew to a close, Windsor chairs in general were simplified for production reasons. This birdcage arm chair, also known as a rod back Windsor, with its simpler turnings and relatively shallow seat indicate a chair made in the early 19th century.
Comb-back Windsor Chair
Philadelphia
Refined Comb-back Windsor Chair similar to those made in Philadelphia circa 1740-1750 branded T. GILPIN. The beautifully turned legs and arm posts attach to a generous D-shaped seat typical of the region.
Triple Bow Windsor Bench or Settee
New England
This settee is of high style and important for its large size. Windsor benches come in many styles including, comb-back, continuous arm, bowback, sackback and lowback forms.
Windsor Writing Arm Chair
New England
Writing arm Windsor chairs are among the rarest forms made. This example is a combback style with drawers both under the writing pad and the seat.