help restoring a rocking chair

[WoodWriggler]

Hi, i have been on the lookout for a timber rocking chair for a while now and have found one at the local markets that for some reason just caught my attention.

The chair its-self looks like needs a joint re-glued (left stile section has come apart just below the mid rail (the tenon has seemed to have come apart slightly). The chair also needs a screw tightened (left arm which attaches to the left spindle).

Apart from that i guess the chair needs to have the old finish (which seems to be flaking/deteriorating) partially removed and resealed.

It was sold to me as a German rocking char but the motif in the top rail smells of the good ole USA. (shield with stars and stripes, the eagle holding it all together...)

Can anyone comment on what timber the chair is most likely to be made from? (i have included a picture of the seat from underneath which was not sealed for possible timber id).

Also, i really don't have a clue as to what finish is currently on the chair, if anyone can point me in the right direction i can (hopefully) begin the right course of action in restoring the chair.

thanks!

[Horsecroft88]

Hi mate, looks like a pretty decent sort of rocking chair, to tidy up. Regarding its origins, I suspect it is a little beyond my knowledge, though whether German or US ???? I am half German (mum is from there), and I do know they too use eagles in some motifs, though looking at the design I would tend to think you might be correct in your thinking.

Regarding the finish, my best guess, is that it is likely to be a case of it depends, that being when made. If it were an older piece, it might have had a shellac finish, or some sort of varnished/laquer finish. If it were a new piece then probably more likely it has been finished in one of the newer types of finish (ie. Poly based ??).

What should you finish it in again, it is entirely your choice, but typically finishes from shellac, through oil based finishes (danish oils etc) through to even a poly finish could be used. Each have their applications, benefits, and/or problems.

In terms of the timber, that too is a hard one, perhaps some sort of oak or maple as a hazard of a guess ?? but equally there are probably a choice of other timbers that were used in these countries for furniture making, I am just out of my league there. Hopefully someone else can chip in with some advice/thoughts to help you.

All the best with the project.

[WoodWriggler]

well, the chair is darn heavy so i know its not pine! hows that for a start

the finish is flaking freely (at some points) ie: i can remove small flakes of finish with my fingernail. At a few selected points tough the finish looks in good condition and it does make the timber look a few shades darker...

[Lawry01]

I like the chair! Great character! I wonder if the flakes are old shellac? From what I've learned, if you're going to key it back anyway. before refinishing, maybe try rubbing back with meths & s/wool ..if it starts to key it back well, my guess is its shellac..and refinishing it this way I reckon would look fabulous..a lovely warm glow! Looking forward to seeing your progress. Lawry