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Antique Rocking Chair ~ 1800’s Redo

I am the type of person that needs change to keep my brain alive and it’s fun to redo a piece of furniture, a room in my house, etc. and then keep the ball rolling. Sitting still very long is not an option for me, so I am always chomping at the bit. No surprise right? Here’s my latest project and antique rocking chair. To be exact, it’s an 1800’s Cochran Hand-Carved Rocking Chair.

When I first acquired this beauty she was missing her seat. It once held a tooled leather middle and I really was planning on replacing the seat and tooling it myself. (Yes, I know how to tool a bit)

Early 1800's American Press Back Rocking Chair | prodigalpieces.comBut most veg tanned leather (the thick type of leather that is suitable for tooling)is an awful orangish color. That type of leather is stainable, but I really want a light, contrasting appeal. To begin with, I just couldn’t see the chair with dark on dark. Likewise, I searched and searched for a creamy colored leather to replace the seat, but couldn’t find anything I liked.

Also, another treasure is that there’s a partial label left under the seat stating it manufacturer – Cochran Chair Co. Manufacturers of Cochran, Indiana. However, in my research, I find that the Cochran Chair Co. was in business from 1879 to 1983, and that if the chair is marked, “Cochran, Indiana” it was produced in the 1800’s.  However, if it is marked, “Aurora, Indiana” it was produced in the 1900’s. Mine is an 1800’s gal.
Open Seat on Antique Rocking Chair | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

So…I decided to do a faux grain sack seat using a cotton canvas stretched across, leaving the rustic nail heads exposed.
Hand-Painted Antique Rocking Chair Seat | prodigalpieces.comTypically, you wouldn’t need any extra support if using the leather, but I decided to reinforce the seat with webbing and added a light cover to the bottom to cover all the fancy work inside.

Grain Sack Farmhouse Antique Rocking Chair by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesDid you catch the hand-carved part?  Eeek!!  Oh how I wish the furniture is given the detail and attention it once was bestowed.  Now all you see if particle board junk sitting curbside.  Yick.

Pressed Back Antique Rocking Chair | prodigalpieces.comIn addition, check out the daintily turned spindles and the absolutely gorgeous patina.

Antique Rocking Chair Arm | prodigalpieces.com

I just love how it turned out! Share it if you do too.

1800's Antique Rocking Chair Makeover with Grain Sack Seat by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comThis lovely lady has sold within a couple days in my online shop. Hooray!

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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Also, more furniture DIY like my antique rocking chair:

Art Deco Glam Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces Antique Rocking ChairVintage Curio Cabinet Gets Tissue Paper Transformation by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces Antique Rocking Chair

Comments

  1. Bridget says

    so beautiful!! i hope to hit more estate sales and garage sales this new year to find treasures like this!! because you’re right, they just don’t make them like they used to 🙂

  2. Marie Blackburn says

    Wow, that rocker is stunning – love all the hand carved details.
    Marie@TheInteriorFrugalista

  3. BECKY says

    Hi Larissa, Just love what you did with this amazing rocker! Like you, I love the character and quality of the old wood work. You pay so dearly for it on new pieces today. But nothing is better than giving an old piece a face lift! It looks so good with the nail heads exposed!
    Thanks for joining the Blissful Whites Wednesday party!!
    Have a lovely day!
    Hugs,
    Becky

  4. Alison Agnew says

    what a sweet and pretty blog you have

    and this press back rocker
    is lovely

    i adore the fabric seat you made
    and now the piece is that perfect combination
    of old and new

    would love for you to share
    at Fridays Unfolded this week!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

  5. Janette Deans says

    Oh the tales this sweet rocker could tell, how wonderful it made it’s way to you, so happy to see it restored and looking loved again….x

  6. Patricia Downs says

    What did the chair sell for? My daughter just bought an old hose that had many articles left in it, one being the entire dining room set, consisting of the 8 chairs, table, sideboard and china cupboard, all say Cochran, of Cochran Indiana. We are having trouble finding much info on this or many of the other numerous articles left behind in their new home. I am originally from Indiana and had never heard of Cochran, now I see it is part of Aurora, I wish things could talk, I would love to know what it took to get this huge set all the way from Indiana to Oklahoma in the 1800″s, and the cost of shipping would of been enormous. in those days all by rail I’m pretty sure. None of the pieces will be sold but a history on may of them would be great.

    • Larissa says

      Wow! That’s awesome! I can’t remember exactly, but a couple hundred dollars about 6 years ago. Yes, I always wish things could talk and tell their story. Enjoy it to the full!

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