Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair Value Guide

The Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair is a quintessential piece of Americana produced by the oldest furniture-making company in the United States. This mid-20th-century iteration is highly collectible for its patriotic hand-stenciled crest rail featuring an American eagle and the 'Liberty and Independence' motto.

What Is Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair Worth?

The typical price range for Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair is $175 - $190 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the stenciled eagle and motto, as fading or paint loss significantly reduces the $175-$190 market value.
• Structural integrity of the birch and maple frame, specifically looking for cracks in the rockers or loose back spindles.
• Originality of the finish; pieces that have been stripped or repainted lose their value as historical commemorative items.
• Presence of the original manufacturer's label or burned-in brand which confirms its origin from the Gardner, Massachusetts factory.

How to Identify Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair?

• Look for the Nichols and Stone brand mark or paper label located on the underside of the contoured maple seat.
• Examine the crest rail for the specific hand-stenciled American eagle motif and 'Liberty and Independence' text.
• Verify the construction features including the characteristic scrolled arms and the spindled back typical of the Boston Rocker silhouette.
• Check for the original black lacquer finish with gold-toned pinstriping accents on the spindles and rockers.

History of Nichols and Stone Boston Rocking Chair

The Nichols and Stone Company of Gardner, Massachusetts, is the oldest furniture-making company in the United States, tracing its roots back to 1762. This specific style, the Boston Rocker, became an iconic piece of Americana in the 19th century, known for its curved seat and scrolled arms. During the mid-20th century, the company produced a series of commemorative and patriotic designs that celebrated early American heritage through hand-stenciled motifs.