Faux Rosewood Douro Chair

A birch Douro Chair, unusual for its arms.

The vast majority of Douro chairs have simple leather straps for its arms. This version differs in that the arms are part wood and part leather strap. They bolt to the chair back but fit to hooks on the arm posts, adjustable to recline by five brass rings to the leather. The arms are padded to the centre for added comfort. There is no maker's label to the chair but it is known from their catalogues that both Maple and Oetzmann & Co. sold Douros with similar arms. Of the two companies, the Maple chair looks closest in design.

The caned back is shaped to the top and painted to resemble rosewood. This is most evident where it has been protected by the cushion. The rest of the chair has its original dark walnut finish to the birch wood. With the arms unbolted and removed, the chair folds as you would expect, on its X frame legs. Originally you would have had the option to buy this chair with a packing case that would convert to a table.

The black leather cushions are buttoned to the back but not the seat. The cushions and leather to the arms has been replaced but a number of years ago. This is a comfortable chair and an interesting variation on the typical design of a Douro. Mid to late 19th Century.