Old Hickory Chairs with Raw Wood and Caning, Signed, circa 1940s
View Similar Items
Old Hickory Chairs with Raw Wood and Caning, Signed, circa 1940s
About the Item
- Creator:Old Hickory Furniture Company (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 39 in (99.06 cm)Width: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)Depth: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Rustic (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:View Park, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6075227140782
Old Hickory Furniture Company
In the early 1890s, before his Old Hickory Furniture Company was formally incorporated, Billy Richardson was selling handmade rocking chairs in the town square of Martinsville, Indiana. His designs used hickory saplings that were the perfect combination of pliable and durable, making them ideal for creating graceful, comfortable and long-lasting furniture. This style of “twig furniture” or “rustic furniture” had become popular with the romanticization of escaping to nature in the 19th century, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains.
Reportedly, a young Richardson and his father crafted seating for president Andrew Jackson, nicknamed “Old Hickory,” for use at his Tennessee home, the Hermitage. By the end of the 19th century, Billy Richardson’s furniture had attracted such a fan base that he joined forces with other craftspeople in the area and they convened to work in an empty church, producing hickory sapling furniture full-time. Old Hickory was officially founded in 1899 and began shipping its signature hickory sapling seating and tables across the country.
Some of the company’s earliest customers were America’s National Parks, where Old Hickory’s homespun style of wooden furniture fit right in and turned out to be a sound investment. At Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn and Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald Lodge, the Old Hickory seating purchased in the early 1900s remains in use to this day.
That’s not to say the company hasn’t adapted over its century-plus lifetime. A look at Old Hickory’s archive is something of a trip through American furniture styles of the past century. There are knotted designs from the 1930s, chaises made of wicker (a versatile and long-lasting natural material) that recall early-20th-century resort style and Mission-style sets reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement.
In the 1940s, Old Hickory tapped designer Russel Wright to lend his eye to the brand. Wright’s streamlined designs married Old Hickory’s rustic sensibility with a modern aesthetic. After closing in 1978, the company underwent two acquisitions and was moved from Martinsville to Shelbyville, Indiana, where it now operates. Today, Old Hickory continues to offer an array of furniture and home accessories, primarily in the widely loved style with which it began.
Find a range of Old Hickory Furniture Company armchairs, tables and other items for sale on 1stDibs.
- Ghanaian wood, iron, and cowhide chair, early 20th centuryLocated in View Park, CAA stunning Ghanaian throne chair, early 20th century. Wood (potentially mahogany) with iron studs and original cowhide seat. Curiously, part of the metal on the backrest reads «made...Category
Early 20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Antique Wooden Chair with Embroidered Needlepoint Seat, Early 20th CenturyLocated in View Park, CAAn antique American colonial wooden chair with embroidered floral needlepoint seat, early to mid 20th century. The back is decoratively carved an...Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Hand-Painted Indian Archway Mirror, 1940sLocated in View Park, CAA vintage hand-painted Indian archway mirror, 1940s. Tones of tangerine, marigold, pomegranate, and ebony. Ready to hang. Faint signs of age but no outw...Category
20th Century Indian Wall Mirrors
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Antique braided wooden side chair, early 20th centuryLocated in View Park, CAAn antique wooden chair with braided seat, early 20th century. A wonderful little example of the early American craftsman movement. Signs of wear include scuffing but overall this ch...Category
Early 20th Century North American American Craftsman Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Mies van der Rohe Brno chairs by Palazzetti, 1970sBy Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in View Park, CAA pair of Brno flat arm chairs in chrome and black leather, circa 1970s. Designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930, these are authorized reproductions ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Bauhaus Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Rustic Gothic Mango Wood Chest with Iron Hardware, 20th CenturyLocated in View Park, CAA rustic organic modern mango wood chest with goth iron fastenings, 20th century, believed to be circa 1960s. Opens with an iron chain to a large open...Category
Vintage 1960s Rustic Blanket Chests
MaterialsIron
- 1940s Old Hickory Marysville Settee StampedBy Old Hickory Furniture CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CAGreat Marysville old hickory settee. Stamp is present on hickory. Very comfortable, Great condition. Would be look nice in a country home or Ranch homeCategory
Vintage 1940s American Adirondack Settees
MaterialsRattan, Hickory
$3,436 Sale Price20% Off - 1940s Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Russel Wright for Old HickoryBy Old Hickory Furniture Company, Russel WrightLocated in Sagaponack, NYReclining lounge chair and matching ottoman of chestnut from Russel Wright’s ‘Rustic Modern’ group, part of his American Provincial collection, Manufactured by Old Hickory Furniture ...Category
Vintage 1940s American American Craftsman Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChestnut
- Old Hickory Tall-Back Paddle-Arm Chair W/Slat SeatsBy Old Hickory Furniture CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CAOld Hickory tall-back paddle-arm chair with slat seat and back, circa 1940. Stamped Old Hickory Furniture Co., Martinsville, this side chair is in ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Adirondack Chairs
MaterialsWood
$995 Sale Price23% Off - A Set of Six Cane and Wood Chairs with Sculptural Legs, Europe ca 1940sLocated in Utrecht, NLThis charming set of six dining chairs was born from a desire to create a design that was comfortable, organic, and cosy in its simplicity. The design incorporates subtle, yet stunni...Category
Vintage 1940s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsCane, Wood
- Set of 6 Old Hickory Ash Wood Dining ChairsBy Old Hickory Furniture CompanyLocated in New York, NYSet of 6 Old Hickory (1940/50s) ash wood dining chairs having a saddle seat and a woven round back with paddle arms and a stretcher (branded OLD HICKORY) (PRICED AS SET)Category
20th Century American Rustic Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsAsh
$15,000 / set - Fantastic Signed Old Hickory Side ChairBy Old Hickory Furniture CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a amazing signed Old Hickory Furniture Company, Martinsville, Indiana. Side or desk chair in great as found condition. This cha...Category
Early 20th Century American Side Chairs
MaterialsHickory
$695 Sale Price62% Off