Overview
This is a classic 'Bar Harbor' style wicker chair, characterized by its wide, comfortable proportions and open-weave patterns designed for the grand summer cottages of the Northeast.
Preliminary identification
Antique 'Bar Harbor' Style Wicker Armchair, c. 1910-1920
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In the early 1900s, wealthy urbanites fled the stifling heat of the city for coastal resorts like Bar Harbor, Maine, demanding furniture that felt light, airy, and sophisticated.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece is consistent with the output of the Heywood-Wakefield Company, the titan of American wicker.
Condition & Value
The chair appears structurally sound, but there is a visible break in the weaving within the keyhole cutout on the left side. The natural finish shows age-appropriate darkening and minor fraying of the reed. Minor weave damage typically reduces value by 20-30% unless professionally restored.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD