Accurate Description of Item
One Hunzinger Lollipop Rocking Chair, with patent label for 1882.
Appraiser Remarks
Your Rocker is a turn of the 19th Century piece, made by George Hunzinger's (1835–1898) company. Hunzinger was famous for his use of elaborate turned spindles in all of his furniture, created by ingenious machinery designed in his own shops. While most pieces by Hunzinger are well marked, those of his competition are not.
The dates on these Hunzinger pieces are actually Patent dates and not the date of production, all the really indicates is the earliest possible date of production for that design. Design Patents provided protection for a period of up 17 years, so a piece with an 1882 marking could have been in production anytime after that date until almost 1900.
Values for Hunzinger rockers peaked along with the demand for Victorian furniture in the 1990's, values since then have taken a bit of a tumble. While some high end galleries still list chairs like this fully restored for over $4500.00, today at auction comparable Hunzinger Lollipop Rockers now sell for less than $500.00.
The dates on these Hunzinger pieces are actually Patent dates and not the date of production, all the really indicates is the earliest possible date of production for that design. Design Patents provided protection for a period of up 17 years, so a piece with an 1882 marking could have been in production anytime after that date until almost 1900.
Values for Hunzinger rockers peaked along with the demand for Victorian furniture in the 1990's, values since then have taken a bit of a tumble. While some high end galleries still list chairs like this fully restored for over $4500.00, today at auction comparable Hunzinger Lollipop Rockers now sell for less than $500.00.
Estimated Value
$1500.00
Re: George Hunzinger Sept. 1882 platform lollipop rocker,...
One Hunzinger Lollipop Rocking Chair, with patent label for 1882.
Your Rocker is a turn of the 19th Century piece, made by George Hunzinger's (1835–1898) company. Hunzinger was famous for his use of elaborate turned spindles in all of his furniture, created by ingenious machinery designed in his own shops. While most pieces by Hunzinger are well marked, those of his competition are not.
The dates on these Hunzinger pieces are actually Patent dates and not the date of production, all the really indicates is the earliest possible date of production for that design. Design Patents provided protection for a period of up 17 years, so a piece with an 1882 marking could have been in production anytime after that date until almost 1900.
Values for Hunzinger rockers peaked along with the demand for Victorian furniture in the 1990's, values since then have taken a bit of a tumble. While some high end galleries still list chairs like this fully restored for over $4500.00, today at auction comparable Hunzinger Lollipop Rockers now sell for less than $500.00.