Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Check on the rocking chair itself for identifying markings or decals. Look along the arm sides and underneath the seat. If you can't find anything obvious, note as many physical characteristics as you can. Write down the wood coloring, condition and design style if you are aware of the style.
Look for any old documents on the rocking chair that have been passed down. If you are fortunate enough to have documentation on the maker and type of chair, you can use that information to search for the company and product history.
Ask family members or anyone who has previously owned the chair for information they might have about its details. The older the chair, the more difficult it is too correctly place. Any first-hand knowledge of the chair's history can help you gather even more information.
Visit a library to search through books on antique chair history, or look online. Use as many details as you have gathered to search for the history of your chair and the company that built it.
Find a local appraiser to inspect your antique. Look in the phonebook for qualified appraisal experts and have more than one person take a look. It's important to have the appraiser physically inspect your chair, so Internet searches aren't the best choice in this case. If there's an antique road show in your area, consider taking the chair. Antique road shows are gatherings where people bring all types of antiques to be looked at by on-site experts. This might be an alternative if you don't obtain the detailed history you were looking for from your local appraiser, but be aware that verbal appraisals are rarely accepted by insurance companies.