Tonk Chicago Victorian Piano Stool, Glass Ball & Claw Feet — For Restoration View Watchlist >
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Lot # G531
System ID # 30369598
Start Date
End Date
5 Watching
Tonk Chicago Victorian Piano Stool, Glass Ball & Claw Feet — For Restoration
A late Victorian adjustable-height piano stool by Tonk of Chicago, identified by the cast maker's plate on the underside of the seat reading "TONK CHICAGO." The round seat sits on a threaded steel post that raises and lowers, mounted over four turned hardwood legs terminating in cast steel ball-and-claw feet gripping glass balls — the signature detail of American parlor stools of the 1890s–1900s. Ring-turned legs and turned stretchers carry remnants of the original ebonized-and-gilt finish, now worn to bare wood across the high points.
William Tonk & Bros. supplied piano fittings, stools, and cabinets to the American music trade from the 1870s into the twentieth century, and their stools turned up beside uprights in parlors across the country. This one is offered as a restoration candidate: the seat is not currently attached to the base, and the finish and feet show heavy honest wear. The bones and hardware are all here for a rewarding refinish or reassembly.
CONDITION
Fair, as shown, with age-appropriate wear throughout. The seat is not attached to the base and will need reattachment; the finish is heavily worn to bare wood on the legs and stretchers. The glass ball feet show a decent amount of wear. Sold for restoration.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall: 19" × 14 1/2" × 14 1/2"
- Seat: 14" Diameter
- Adjustable Seat Height: to 23"
- Materials: Solid wood, glass, steel
- Maker's Mark: Tonk, Chicago (cast plate underside of seat)
- Feet: Steel ball-and-claw over glass balls
