Johan Schmidt Woodwork

Johan Schmidt Woodwork The Chairmaker Why Buy Windsor Windsor Chair History Windsor Chair Catalog Windsor Chair Photo Gallery Companion Furniture Catalog Companion Furniture Photo Gallery How to Order Learn More about Windsor History Upcoming Events

Windsor Chairs - Authentic Antique Replicas

These Windsor Chairs are made using no electricity; only razor sharp hand tools.  The chairs are identical to the 200 year-old originals and are constructed the same way; they too should last forever.

The process begins with hand splitting green logs from a private wood lot in Delaware County, Ohio.  The split wood is shaped for spindles and other pieces.  The  shaped pieces are then steamed and bent  to form the sections of the chair.  The seat is sculpted out of a 2-inch thick piece of pine.  Once the spindles are shaped and the seat is carved, the chairs are assembled using hand tools.  Using spoon bits in a hand brace, holes are drilled to traditional angles, in the same manner as 250 years ago.

Each chair is painted using milk paint.  Generally, two colors are chosen, one as a base coat; the second color is dry- brushed to give the chair the look of an antique.  There are several colors to choose from.  Ask for a color chart when ordering or click on My Products from the menu bar to view an on-line color chart.  The chair to the right was painted with Salem Red as its base coat and then dry-brushed in Pitch Black to give it an antique look.

NEW for 2009!  Three Person Boston Settee (photo to the right)