On The Rocks

Questions About On The Rocks

• What is a Victorian rocking horse?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  A Victorian rocking horse is a child’s toy produced during the Victorian era, which refers to the years of the reign of Queen Victoria of England, 1837 to 1901. Prior to the industrialization that took shape during the 19th century, which allowed these structures to be mass-produced, rocking horses were hand-carved in wood and hand-painted to resemble a horse. Two rockers, mirroring those of modern rocking chairs, are attached to the horse’s legs, and when a child sits on the seat, the horse gently rocks back and forth. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique rocking horses.

• What is a platform rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A platform rocking chair is a rocking chair constructed to have the rockers on a fixed platform rather than the floor. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary platform rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What does a rocking chair symbolize?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024

  What a rocking chair symbolizes is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Some people associate rocking chairs with comfort or relaxation. Because people often sit in the chairs to gently rock babies to sleep, the furniture may also represent parenthood or motherhood. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.

• Where can I find scholar rocks?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Gongshi, also known as scholar rocks, can be found through a multitude of retailers, including 1stDibs. Scholar rocks’ can be any color, size or material. However, they are traditionally authentic stones made with limestone. Shop a collection of authentic scholar rocks on 1stDibs.

• How old is the rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024

  The rocking chair is more than 275 years old. Early models date back to around 1725 and were made by outfitting Windsor chairs with skates. By 1787, rocking chairs were common enough for the word to be added to the English dictionary. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.

• What is a Boston rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A Boston rocking chair is a wooden rocking chair with a decorative top panel and a seat and arms that curve down towards the front. Find an assortment of rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is a Windsor rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021

  A Windsor rocking chair is built for comfort and is usually manufactured in such a way that the seat’s spindles, along with the chair-back and legs, are pushed into holes that have been drilled. This sets this type of chair apart, as the standard construction of a chair sees that the back legs are continuous. The Windsor chair originated in the early 1700s in the English town of Windsor. As mentioned, their bentwood back frames are assembled with slender wooden spindles that are plugged into drill holes in the sculpted seat, which was usually made of elm and slightly sunken or dish-shaped for the sitter’s comfort. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Windsor rocking chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

• What is the purpose of a rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019

  A rocking chair helps soothe infants, children, and adults alike. The rocking and swaying movement helps create a meditative and lethargic state.

• What is the purpose of a rocking horse?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Rocking horses have long been favorite toys for children all over. These fun toys also help with balance and mobility, while encouraging exercise. It’s no wonder that both children and their parents are so taken with these toys. Shop a collection of rocking horses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What year was the rocking horse invented?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  No one knows the exact year that the rocking horse was invented, but they first appeared in early 17th century Europe. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern rocking horses from some of the world’s top sellers.

• How do I identify a Thonet rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

• How do you clean a wooden rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019

  A wooden rocking chair can be cleaned using a sponge, soap, and water. After, you should proceed to pat the rocking chair down with a cloth.

• How do you tell if your rocking chair is an antique?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

• How can you tell a Collinson rocking horse?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023

  To tell if a rocking horse is a Collinson, look at the pillar on its safety stand. Authentic pieces will usually have square pillars with wooden diamonds on top. The iron swings that allow the horse to rock were often red on genuine Collinson designs. However, an antique rocking horse may have been repainted, so the color you see might not be the original. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with identifying rocking horses. Shop a range of rocking horses on 1stDibs.

• How can you tell if a rocking horse is an antique?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023

  To tell if a rocking horse is antique, first look for a label or mark that indicates the manufacturer’s name. Some makers of antique rocking horses include F.H. Ayers, Collinsons & Sons, G & J Lines, Crossley Brothers and Stevenson Brothers. If you're unable to find a maker's mark, you may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer who is knowledgeable about rocking horses. Shop a variety of rocking horses on 1stDibs.

• How do I identify a Windsor rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To identify a Windsor rocking chair, enlist the help of a licensed furniture appraiser. Many convincing distressed reproductions exist due to their popularity and value. An experienced professional can accurately determine if yours is an authentic antique or a replica. Find a range of expertly vetted Windsor rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

• What were Victorian rocking horses made of?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Traditionally, Victorian rocking horses are made of solid wood. Designed to withstand wear and tear over time, Victorian rocking horses are often crafted with a high-quality wood, such as solid oak. Browse a selection of vintage Victorian rocking horses on 1stDibs.

• How much is a wooden rocking chair worth?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021

  The cost of a wooden rocking chair varies depending on the type of wood used, its finish and craftsmanship. Also, the period that the rocking chair belongs to will define the price of the chair. An antique rocking chair might cost between $500 and $1,500 while a contemporary rocking chair may cost somewhere between $150 and $400. Find a variety of antique, vintage, and contemporary wooden rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

• Did Benjamin Franklin invent the rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024

  No, Benjamin Franklin did not invent the rocking chair. This common misconception is linked to an erroneous statement made in the book The Rocking Chair: An American Institution, published in 1921. In actuality, rocking chairs were created by English farmers early in the 18th century. Early American examples date back to around 1830. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of rocking chairs.

• How do you tell the age of an old rocking chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  To tell the age of an old rocking chair, search under the seat, the legs and the bottom of the rockers for a maker's marking. By researching the maker and learning about how the characteristics of its pieces evolved over the years, you can often get a rough idea of how old your rocking chair is. If you are unable to find a mark, your piece could be a newer handcrafted item or an antique, in which case it would be helpful to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. An expert can also assist you if you run into any difficulty dating your piece. Explore a variety of rocking chairs on 1stDibs.