This is an early 20th-century antique American oak children's "T-back" or "vase-back" country kitchen side chair, manufactured approximately between 1900 and 1915 during the transition between the late Victorian era and the Arts & Crafts movement.

Physical Characteristics & Condition Report

Wood Typology: The piece is constructed entirely out of solid domestic North American oak. The flat, solid wood seat panel displays a highly pronounced, coarse medullary grain pattern typical of heavy, durable vernacular furniture of this era.

Backrest Configuration: A gently arched, solid top rail transitions downward into two square outer posts. The center is anchored by a single thick vertical splat cut into a stylized vase, urn, or fiddle silhouette. This layout provides solid lumbar reinforcement without requiring multiple delicate spindles.

Leg Structure & Joinery: The frame features subtly curved, tapered front legs paired with square, slightly splayed back posts. The lower structure uses simple mortise-and-tenon construction braced by four box stretchers. Two cross-stretchers run low on the sides, flanked by a front stabilizer and a central recessed rear stretcher.

Surface Patina: The surface exhibits a naturally darkened, aged amber lacquer or shellac finish. Minor surface abrasions, deep checking in the seat grain, and localized wear around the base of the legs indicate heavy authentic use.

Manufacturing Context

This pattern was a staple of mass-production Midwestern workshops like the Buffalo Chair Works or the Murphy Chair Company. They were sold individually or as part of everyday farmhouse kitchen or dining sets via mail-order catalogs.


Condition:
Alterations: Unknown
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: This little children's chair is in excellent condition. I don't know if it's been restored, however, it's condition is good enough I'm making a guess that it has been.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Oak

Details:
Number of Seats: 1
Seat Interior Width: 15.0in
Seat Height: 18.0in
Arm Height: 1.0in
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Seat Interior Depth: 15.0in

Unknown; Some Imperfections; This little children's chair is in excellent condition. I don't know if it's been restored, however, it's condition is good enough I'm making a guess that it has been.