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Sackback 

ntroduced circa 1760, the Sackback Windsor is credited with making the American Windsor a truly utilitarian chair which was widely available to the general public. Judging by the sheer number of chairs made and shipped along the eastern seaboard, the style must have been far and away the most popular of the 18th century. 
   It has a two piece back, both steam bent into an arc. The crest rail is mortised and wedged into the arm rail. It stands approximately 37 inches high. It's seven rived spindles are red oak and hand shaped with a spokeshave. As per original styles, it has an oval seat.
   Oh, and the name? In chilly, drafty homes a sack was said to be draped over the back to prevent a cold draft from the sitter.
 

 

Bowback Side 

ore bowback Windsor side chairs were made in the 1700's than any other style.
   They have a bow formed by a steam bent continuous piece of riven red oak. Supporting this bow are seven hand shaped spindles socketed into the shield shaped seat.
   It is a chair of simple design, yet very elegant., A set around a table, at a breakfast bar or a single chair at one's desk is quite common. Sometimes, these side chairs are complimented with two different styles at the heads of the table making for a very nice contrast.
   The possible combinations are not limited!
 

 

Continuous Arm

he only American Windsor style created outside of Pennsylvania, the Continuous-arm is strictly a New York creation.
   It's single piece arm is steam bent on two planes which creates the back and the arms out of a single five-foot rivened piece of oak.
   The seat is only done in a shield style. It's tailpiece supports the two support spindles mortised into the nine-spindled back.
   It was common to see this style mostly in 18th century dining rooms and very rarely in a kitchen. Today, this style is a common sight in any room of the house or office and equally as comfortable.
 

 

Highback Windsor

ntroduced by Philadelphia chairmakers circa 1760, the Highback Windsor, sometimes referred to as a medium-tall back chair, became extremely popular and greatly influenced Windsor chairmaking over the following decade. Proportionately, the Highback is a bit smaller than the Fanback. In stands at about 43 inches vs. the 45-inch height of the Fanback. Visually, the most noticeable difference is the continuity of the arm rail, carried forth from the Sackback chair. This rail allows the seven hand-hewn spindles, culminating in a 27-inch crest, to "carry" the chair. Its delicate yet formal appearance belies the overall strength of the chair.
  

 

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