Vintage Lloyd Loom Armchair And Rocking Chair From Circa 1930

Lloyd Loom furniture is one of the most recognizable success stories of interwar design: light, durable, and stylish pieces woven from paper-wrapped wire and mounted to elegant wooden frames. Among the most collectible are the armchairs and rocking chairs produced around 1930, when the technique was at its commercial peak and taste swung toward streamlined, painted bedroom and veranda furniture. This guide explains what these chairs are, how to identify and date them, common condition issues, and how markets value them today.

What “Lloyd Loom” Means: Technique, Makers, and 1930 Context

• The technique: In 1917, American inventor Marshall Burns Lloyd patented a process for twisting kraft paper around steel wire, then machine-weaving that cord into continuous sheets. These woven sheets were then tacked or stapled onto shaped wooden frames. The result looks like wicker but is smoother, more uniform, and markedly stronger for its weight.
• Key makers: In the United Kingdom, W. Lusty & Sons secured rights to manufacture Lloyd Loom furniture and marketed it heavily throughout the 1920s–30s. In the United States, the Lloyd Manufacturing Company (Menominee, Michigan) and associated firms produced a wide range for indoor and porch use. The “Lloyd Loom” name became synonymous with the method, though various firms adopted similar techniques.
• Why circa 1930 matters: By around 1930, production volumes were high, designs matured, and a distinct palette of period finishes (cream, fawn, eau‑de‑nil, pale green, black, and “antique gold” among others) became common. Forms ranged from compact bedroom armchairs to nursery rockers, conservatory lounge chairs, and occasional seating with modest Art Deco influences.

Design and Construction Details to Examine

Understanding how authentic 1930s examples are built will help you distinguish period pieces from later reproductions and gauge condition.

• Frames and woods: Beech was typical for painted frames; oak and other hardwoods appear less often. Rocking chairs usually have solid bentwood runners and a seat cradle that carries the woven panels. Armchairs vary from boxy club shapes to rounded tub or barrel forms, with softly swept arms.
• Woven panels: The machine-woven “cloth” of paper-wrapped wire is applied as large panels to the back, sides, and seat. Edges are often finished with a thicker rolled selvedge or a neatly folded return to resist fraying. Expect uniform, close weaving with a subtle diagonal twist in the fiber.
• Fasteners and trims: Panels are secured with tacks or staples into the frame, concealed beneath a decorative woven or fabric braid (also called gimp). Seam lines often track along the inner arm and front seat rail; look for consistent spacing and neat, period braid rather than modern synthetic trims.
• Seats and cushions: Many armchairs were sold with a loose, upholstered seat cushion resting on the woven seat base; rocking chairs sometimes have thinner, fixed padding or separate cushions. Early cushions were stuffed with hair, cotton batting, or kapok—foam suggests a later or replaced cushion.
• Paint and finishes: Original paint is generally smooth and somewhat lustrous, applied at the factory. Hand-painted later finishes may show brush marks, drips, or heavy texture. Some pieces were finished in “antique gold” or bronze metallic paints in the early 1930s; pale pastel enamels are also typical.
• Typical proportions: Armchairs commonly have a seat height around 42–46 cm (16.5–18 in), with compact bedroom-friendly footprints. Rockers ride slightly lower at the front due to the arc of the runners, with a gentle, stable rocking action rather than a deep pitch.

Dating and Authenticating Circa-1930 Chairs

Dating Lloyd Loom chairs relies on corroborating clues. No single feature is definitive; look for a consistent period story.

• Labels and marks:
  • UK: Paper or foil labels reading “Lloyd Loom” often include “by Lusty” or “W. Lusty & Sons, London,” sometimes with “Bow” as the factory location. Rectangular black-and-gold labels and shield-shaped medallions are seen under seats or on frame rails.
  • US: Labels and tags from Lloyd Manufacturing Co., Menominee, Michigan, or retailers’ labels (department stores, mail-order houses) may be found under seat rails.
  • Absence of a label does not preclude period manufacture, but surviving labels help narrow date ranges.
• Hardware:
  • Slot-head screws are typical before mid-century; abundant Phillips-head screws suggest later work.
  • Evenly spaced, small upholstery tacks under original braid point to factory assembly; modern staples exposed or haphazard tacking often indicate repair.
• Finishes and colors:
  • Cream, pale green/eau‑de‑nil, fawn, and black are frequent on interwar UK examples; metallic “antique gold” accents appear on some Art Deco lines.
  • Very bright whites or contemporary greys may be later repaints (though cleaned original paint can appear fresh).
• Construction and silhouette:
  • 1930s armchairs often have gently rounded corners and modest Art Deco lines—neither ornate Edwardian scrolls nor aggressively angular modern forms.
  • Rocking chairs from this period favor stable, mid-depth runners with restrained curves; overly thin, sharp-profiled runners are a later trope.
• Provenance clues:
  • Catalog references: UK retailers such as Heal’s, Gamages, Waring & Gillow, and provincial department stores regularly stocked “Lloyd Loom” in the 1920s–30s.
  • Household context: Nursery, bedroom, and conservatory usage aligns with period marketing; heavy porch weathering is more common on US pieces.
• Distinguishing later production and reproductions:
  • “Lloyd Loom of Spalding,” Vincent Sheppard, and other late-20th-century makers produce high-quality woven paper-on-wire furniture; their labels are typically clear, modern, and branded.
  • Modern reproductions may show foam-only seat blocks, phillips screws throughout, synthetic braids, and colors outside interwar palettes.

Condition: What Fails, What Can Be Fixed, and What Shouldn’t Be Touched

The woven paper-on-wire construction is durable, but after 90+ years the following issues are common.

• Breaks and losses in the weave:
  • Small edge breaks: Often occur where panels meet frames, especially at seat front edges and arm tops. Limited losses can be consolidated; extensive gaps may require panel replacement by a specialist.
• Rust and staining:
  • Moisture can corrode the internal wires, leading to brown “bleed-through” and weakening. Light, inactive staining can be lived with; active corrosion risks spreading and snapping wires.
• Sagging seats:
  • Cumulative load and humidity stretch the panel. If the seat deflects notably under light pressure, consider an internal sling or professional tensioning; amateur tightening risks tearing.
• Paint failure:
  • Flaking, chalking, or crazing of original enamel is common. Heavy overpaints sometimes conceal repairs and can add weight and brittleness.

Care and conservation guidelines:

• Dry cleaning first:
  • Gently vacuum with a soft brush attachment to lift dust from the weave. Avoid aggressive brushing that can scuff the paper.
• Stain reduction:
  • Light surface grime: A barely damp microfiber cloth with a drop of pH‑neutral soap, followed by quick drying. Never saturate the weave.
  • Avoid solvents and strong cleaners; they can swell the paper or soften original paint.
• Consolidation:
  • For small loose ends, conservators may use reversible adhesives sparingly to secure lifted selvedges. DIY fixes with abundant PVA or hot glue usually age poorly.
• Structural repair:
  • Seat reweaving, panel patches, and runner repairs are specialist tasks. Period-appropriate braid and woven material can be matched by restorers; piecemeal patching with rattan or cane will devalue the chair.
• Repainting:
  • If original paint is largely intact, preserve it; patina contributes to value. If a repaint is necessary, a high-quality water-based enamel can be appropriate after careful prep—but document the original color underneath for future reference.

Market and Appraisal Insights: Value Drivers for 1930s Armchairs and Rockers

Prices vary by region, condition, and venue, but several consistent factors drive value:

• Originality and color:
  • Intact original paint and braid, especially in period pastel or metallic finishes, commands a premium. Unpainted or heavily overpainted examples tend to sit lower.
• Condition:
  • Tight weave without sagging, minimal rust, and sound runners (for rockers) are crucial. Small touch-ins are acceptable; large structural reweaves reduce value unless done to a high standard.
• Form and proportion:
  • Desirable forms include rounded tub armchairs and well-proportioned nursery rockers. Oversize porch rockers with worn outdoor history can be charming but often need more work.
• Labels and documentation:
  • Surviving “Lloyd Loom by Lusty” or early U.S. labels, plus catalog proof or solid provenance, add confidence and value.
• Pairs and sets:
  • Matched pairs of armchairs, or an armchair and rocker in the same finish, sell briskly. Original footstools or side tables to match further lift interest.
• Indicative price ranges (broad and market-dependent):
  • 1930s armchair: often mid-hundreds in good, original condition; excellent examples with label and patina can exceed that range.
  • 1930s rocking chair: typically carries a modest premium over armchairs due to scarcer survival and higher decorative appeal.
  • Project pieces with significant weave loss or heavy corrosion trade at steep discounts; restoration can exceed resale value if not planned carefully.

For a formal appraisal, provide detailed photographs (front, side, back, underside, close-ups of braid and labels), measurements, and a written condition report. Auction comparables from the past 12–18 months in your region are the best market benchmark.

Concise Practical Checklist

• Confirm construction: paper-wrapped wire woven panels on a wooden frame; neat braid concealing tacks.
• Look for labels: under-seat paper/foil tags such as “Lloyd Loom” and “by Lusty” (UK) or Lloyd Manufacturing (US).
• Inspect hardware: slot-head screws and tidy tacking patterns; extensive Phillips screws suggest later work.
• Assess finish: period enamel colors and even spray-like surfaces; beware thick, recent overpaints.
• Test structural integrity: gentle pressure on seat and back; no alarming creaks, tears, or excessive sag.
• Check for corrosion: brown stains, brittle weave at high-stress edges; avoid pieces with active rust unless priced accordingly.
• Examine runners (rockers): smooth arcs, no splits at the front or rear tips; chair should rock evenly without tipping.
• Evaluate cushions: natural fillings and period fabrics indicate age; foam blocks are replacements.
• Document everything: photos of labels, underside, and any repairs; note dimensions and seat height.
• Value context: prioritize originality, condition, and matched pairs; compare to recent regional sales.

FAQ

Q: Is all woven paper furniture “Lloyd Loom”? A: No. “Lloyd Loom” refers to the patented paper-wrapped wire method popularized by Marshall B. Lloyd and licensed manufacturers like W. Lusty & Sons. Other makers produced similar woven paper furniture, often without using the trademark. Construction quality and labeling help distinguish them.

Q: Can a sagging seat be tightened at home? A: Light sagging can sometimes be mitigated with an internal support sling placed beneath the seat cushion, but pulling or re-tensioning the woven sheet risks tearing. For notable deflection, consult a restorer experienced with Lloyd Loom panels.

Q: Should I strip and repaint a worn original finish? A: Preserve original paint where feasible; it supports authenticity and value. If paint is failing broadly, a careful, minimally abrasive prep and a thin, high-quality enamel refinish are acceptable—but keep records of the original color and any labels.

Q: How do I tell a 1930s rocker from a later reproduction? A: Period clues include slot-head screws, neat concealed tacks, period enamel colors, proportional mid-depth runners, and period labels. Modern pieces often use Phillips screws, synthetic braid, foam-only cushions, and have clear contemporary branding.

Q: Are nursery-sized Lloyd Loom chairs less valuable? A: Smaller bedroom and nursery armchairs are common, but originality and condition matter more than size. Rockers often command a premium; rare colors, labels, and matched pairs outperform standard singles regardless of scale.

By focusing on construction, finish, and period details—while approaching conservation lightly—you can confidently identify, date, and assess vintage Lloyd Loom armchairs and rocking chairs from circa 1930.