As I'm something of a narrow-minded Art Deco sort of person, this Victorian chair or stool is somewhat outside my realm of expertise. So why did I buy it?! I was invited over to the basement/store of one of my Secret San Francisco Suppliers for a look-see at some ART DECO things and there it was! Being a rather visually-minded narrow-minded person, I flipped. "What is THAT?!" I exclaimed. I might have added "that ugly thing" as I usually do when trying to feign lack of desire, but these particular dealers are far too savvy for that kind of duplicity, more's the pity. They explained that they'd bought it because it had blown THEIR minds (in California we're especially susceptible); "they were there/it was there," kind of thing. And here I was repeating history, after they gotten their jollies by owning it for a while.

They had researched it and determined there was a possibility that it was a Victorian piano stool. Hmmm, an interesting possibility, wouldn't you say? Can't you imagine how striking this would be at a grand piano (or even an un-grand piano)? Lots of room to flip your tails on either side of the narrow back, and a very sturdy ride. It's QUITE sturdy. My Secret Suppliers felt that it must have been made around 1850-1860, from their research. Subsequent knowledgeable antiques persons have suggested to me that it might be European. Well, you probably know more than any of us, because that's where it ends for this shoemaker.

However, I'm sufficiently gifted with a tape measure to be able to determine dimensions: 32 high at the back; the back is about 10 1/2 inches wide. The seat is 17 1/2 inches off the ground and it's about 14 1/2 inches wide.

I presume that chip on the top of the back is the result of an overactive moment during a piano concerto. As you can see from the photo showing it from the front, it's barely visible from that side. I presume that a skilled woodworker could make the thing disappear with the right kind of encouragement. And, I know just the fellow. So, go ahead, e-mail or call me and get me started!

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