My chairs are truly handmade using the same techniques that chairwrights used in the 18th century. Starting in the woods, I select only the straightest-grained red oak trees for the spindles and bent wood parts. The logs are then hand-split and shaped into the chair parts with a draw knife and spoke shave. In the end, fine, subtle tool marks left from the spoke shave are a testimonial to my fine craftsmanship. For the other chair parts, I go to small, backwoods sawmills in Pennsylvania and hand-select only the best cherry logs to be sawed into 2 1/2 inch thick planks. These cherry planks are used to make the seats, legs and stretchers. My methods of making one chair at a time may not be the most efficient method, but it is one that produces the finest, handcrafted chair money can buy. Another bonus is that these methods are the most satisfying to me the craftsman.


When you look through these photos, remember that you have two choices of finishes. One is a clear finish resulting from 6-8 applications of a hand-rubbed oil/varnish mixture. This finish allows one to appreciate the natural beauty of the cherry and oak while protecting it from spills and dirt. The other choice is the traditional milk-paint finish used by 18th century craftsmen. This method uses two layers of red then black milk-paint and hand-rubbed to allow some of the first layer to show through. Then the chair is sealed with several layers of a clear, oil/varnish mixture. The result is a chair which simulates the appearance of an antique. For a closer look at the milk-paint finish, go to "Why Choose Me".

This traditional comb-back chair is styled after a Philadelphia chair dating from circa 1770. The deep scoop of the seat in combination with the angle and flex of the back results in a very comfortable chair. Cherry and oak. 45"H, 27"W, 19"D. This chair is also available in the traditional milk-paint finish. Price $995.00
more Comb Back Chair

This continuous arm chair is the same chair seen in the photo at the top of this page. Constructed of cherry and oak, the light elegance of my continuous arm chair was inspired by an antique dating from the mid 18th century. The deep scoop of the seat together with the angle of the back results in an extremely comfortable chair. 38" H, 26" W, 18"D. Price: $695.00
more Continuous Arm Chair

Identical to the cherry and oak continuous arm chair, this chair is finished with traditional milk-paint. 38"H, 26"W, 18"D. Price: $695.00

Shown here in cherry and oak, this chair compliments the continuous arm chair in a table setting. 38"H. 21"W, 18"D. Also available in milk-paint finish. Price: $565.00

Also called a double bow-back chair, the graceful lines of this chair were inspired by an antique made in Massachusetts in the mid 18th century. The deep scoop of this classic chair seat in combination with the angle of the back results in a very comfortable chair. Shown here in the traditional milk-paint finish. 38"H, 25"W, 17"D. This chair is also available in "natural" cherry and oak. Price: $675.00

As its name implies, this elegant chair was used during the 18th century for writing letters and manuscripts. It is said that Thomas Jefferson wrote parts of the Declaration of Independence in a Windsor Writing Arm Chair. Note the small drawer located beneath the writing tablet. 45"H, 35"W, 24"D. Shown here in milk-paint finish. Also available in "Natural" cherry and oak. Price: $1650.00

Windsor Chairs     Windsor Rocking Chair     Early American Tables     Shaker Pieces     Queen Anne High Boy     Chests     Windsor-Style Stools     Windsor Settee     Why Choose Me     About David A. Spero     Ordering and Shipping     Directions To My Shop     Home    

webpage ©2001 by Hill Interactive Communications Inc.