Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How do you identify a Howard chair?
1 Answer

To identify a Howard chair, search the piece for a maker's mark. Over the years, the furniture maker marked its pieces in different ways. Some chairs will have a stamp on their back legs or casters when present. Others may have a label sewn onto the Hessian, the cloth found beneath the cushion on an armchair. Stamps and labels varied over time but usually featured the maker's name. Many also displayed a style number you can cross-reference with information published on trusted online resources to learn more about the chairs. If you need assistance with the identification process, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Howard & Sons chairs and other Howard & Sons seating.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
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Shop for Howard and Sons Seating on 1stDibs
PAiR OF ANTIQUE HOWARD & SON'S BRIDGEWATER CHESTERFIELD GREEN LEATHER ARMCHAIRS
By Howard & Sons Ltd, Howard Chairs Ltd., Howard and Sons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunningly rare, original pair of fully restored Regency Green leather, Victorian Mahogany framed Howar...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Antique Howard & sons slipper bedroom chair
By Howard and Sons
Located in Stroud, GB
Howard slipper chair in original condition
standing on turned English walnut turned legs and cope castors.
London Circa 1900
Mainland delivery FOC London weekly
International POA ...
Category
Antique 1890s English Slipper Chairs
Materials
Birch
Howard and Sons London 'Grantley' Sofa
By Howard and Sons
Located in Faversham, GB
An exceptional Howard and Sons ‘Grantley’ sofa.
This original Grantley H&S model sofa features down-filled outswept armrests that sit at the same height as the back, giving the sofa...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British High Victorian Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
$18,980 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of Howard & sons sofas
By Howard and Sons
Located in Stroud, GB
Pair of rare deco “Bruton” model sofas by Howard and sons
covered in salmon H&S monogrammed organic cotton ticking
with duck feather and down cushions and stamped castors.
Dimension...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Materials
Hardwood
$58,623 / set
Huge Restored Antique Victorian Howard & Son's Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa
By Howard Chairs Ltd., Howard & Sons Ltd, Howard and Sons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine, fully restored Howard & Son’s Berners Street London, large Baring sofa upholstered with vintage brown le...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Materials
Leather
Antique Howard & Sons Aesthetic Movement Sofa Claw & Ball Feet Chinoiserie Fabic
By Howard and Sons, Howard Chairs Ltd., Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning exceptionally rare and original Howard & Son's circa 1880 two seat sofa with duvet feather padded arms and seat cushions, with Aesthetic movement ebonised frame and Claw & Ball feet in the original Chinese Chinoiserie upholstery.
I have a large collection of very fine restored and original unrestored Howard & Son's seating listed under my other items.
This is simply put the most comfortable sofa in the world, the arms back and base are all feather and fibre filled, you sink when seated in a similar manner to a very plump feather filled duvet.
The upholstery is super rare original Victorian, heavily distressed, its Chinese Chinoiserie and has wonderful colours. The frame is period Victorian, it is the only Aesthetic movement ebonised frame I have seen and one of very few Claw & Ball examples as well.
Howard & Sons are simply put are the finest sofa and armchair makers in history, the Queen even had a private collection.
This piece is totally original and unrestored, it will only every be original once, as such I have left it as it is for the new owner to decide what to do with it, I can help with full restoration should the new owner wish. To confirm though, as you can see the upholstery is very distressed, the frame is structurally solid and does not require any repairs
Dimensions
Height:- 74cm
Width:- 137cm
Depth:- 77cm
Seat height:- 44.5cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.
A History of Howard and Sons
The name of Howard and Sons is probably one of the best known and highly sought-after names in Upholstered furniture. Over the next few paragraphs, I will do my best to give you a brief history of the company.
The company was started by John Howard in 1820 trading from 24 Leman St, London as a Cabinet Maker. Over the next 25 years they would make several changes of premises within the Whitechapel area. First to 27 Great Alie St (Now just Alie St) before moving a short distance to 34 Great Alie St.
In 1844 the company made its first venture into upholstered furniture by opening a showroom/workshop at 36 Red lion St. This was also to be a big move towards what would be their next and most famous location. In 1848 they moved to a new address much more accustomed with the name; Berners St. London as “Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Decorator” under the name John Howard and Sons.
The business seemed to boom at this location with workshops opening up at Tottenham St, Charlotte Mews and Fitzroy Sq and an expansion to a second Berners St building in 1853. In 1869 the company consolidated its many workshops into the one building on Cleveland St.
By 1872 the company was occupying 25, 26 and 27 Berners St. These adresses would remain unchanged until 1935. During this period they became a limited company in 1899 and won the first of their Royal warrants in 1901. In 1935 the the well-established decorators Lenygon and Morant...
Category
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
$21,258 Sale Price
20% Off


