We’re pleased to offer for sale this charming early 19th Century antique country primitive ladder back chair. Ladderback chairs, also known as slat-back chairs, were becoming particularly popular in rural homes during the 18th century across Europe and America due to their sturdy yet lightweight structure. They still required a number of specialized tools and the expertise of both a joiner and a turner but were relatively simple to construct. Despite their seemingly simple design, ladder back chairs were considered more refined seating, as many households continued to rely on simple, rudimentary stools for everyday use.
The chair has 4 slats with a dramatic curve and elongated finials. The chair showcases period peg joinery and the original scribe marks can still be seen on the front legs and rear stiles. The chair has an old woven splint seat that does have some minor loss and a few cracked strands, but we honestly prefer to find them in this condition with older seats as sometimes newer seats can stick out like a sore thumb and look odd. The seat had no problem supporting my weight at 180 pounds, but we would advise you to have any family members or guests who may use the chair to not to plop down so violently. The chair would make a fine addition to any primitive / farmhouse interior and measures 19” wide x 15” deep x 42 1/4” tall with a 16” seat height.
