You’ve probably seen one without even realizing it. Maybe it was tucked into a dusty corner of your grandmother’s dining room, or perhaps you sat in a heavy, black-painted version during your college graduation. The nichols and stone chair isn't just a piece of furniture; it’s basically the DNA of American craftsmanship. Honestly, in a world where we buy "disposable" chairs that wobble after six months, there is something deeply grounding about a chair that was built to outlast your house.
I’m talking about a brand that started back in the 1760s. That’s before the United States was even officially a thing. While other companies were cutting corners, Nichols & Stone was busy becoming the gold standard in Gardner, Massachusetts—famously known as "Chair City."
What’s the Big Deal with a Nichols and Stone Chair?
Most people think a chair is just a place to sit. But if you look at a vintage Nichols & Stone piece, you’ll notice the "deep saddle seat." They didn't just carve a flat board. They took thick planks of northern birch or hard rock maple, turned them in different directions, and glued them together to prevent warping. Then they scooped out a saddle shape that actually fits a human body.
It’s comfortable. Like, surprisingly comfortable for solid wood.
The company is the oldest furniture manufacturer in the U.S., and their "Harvard Chair" is legendary. If you’ve ever seen those black-painted armchairs with gold stenciling and a college seal on the back, that’s almost certainly a Nichols & Stone. They were the sole makers of the official Harvard chair for most of the 20th century.
Spotting the Real Thing
Don't get fooled by knock-offs. Identifying an authentic nichols and stone chair is actually kind of a fun detective project.
- The Burned Shield: Look under the seat. Most pieces made in the mid-to-late 20th century have a shield logo burned directly into the wood. It’s not a sticker; it’s a brand.
- The "N over S" Mark: If you find a chair where the mark looks like an "N" stacked over an "S" with little marks that look like a chair back, you’ve hit the jackpot. That usually dates the piece to the 1930s or 1940s.
- Paper Labels: Sometimes the branding iron broke or someone just forgot. In those cases, they used paper labels. If you see a tattered green or white label under the seat mentioning Gardner, MA, treat it with respect.
Why Collectors are Obsessed Right Now
Here is the thing: Nichols & Stone actually stopped independent production in 2008. The company was bought by L. & J.G. Stickley, another giant in the high-end furniture world. While Stickley still produces some Nichols & Stone designs, the "vintage" Gardner-made chairs have become a massive hit on the secondary market.
You can find a standard Windsor side chair for maybe $150 at a lucky estate sale, but a rare "Comb Back" or a "Birdcage" Windsor can easily pull $500 to $900. If it’s a set of six in good condition? You’re looking at several thousand dollars.
The Survival of the Fittest
These chairs don't just look "Colonial." They are built using mortise and tenon joinery. That means the legs and spindles are fitted into holes and locked in, rather than just being nailed or screwed together. It’s why you can find a 100-year-old Nichols & Stone rocker that doesn't squeak.
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I’ve seen people find these chairs in barns, covered in chicken feathers and dirt. After a good cleaning and some Howard’s Feed-N-Wax, they look like museum pieces again. The wood they used—mostly birch, ash, and maple—is incredibly dense and heavy.
Taking Care of Your Find
If you just scored a nichols and stone chair, please don't reach for the cheap aerosol spray wax. That stuff builds up a nasty film.
- Dust it first: Use a soft microfiber cloth. Simple.
- Mild soap only: If there’s actual grime, use a very damp cloth with a drop of Murphy’s Oil Soap. Don't soak the wood.
- Check the joints: If a spindle is loose, don't just shove wood glue in there. You might need to use a "swelling" agent or a specialized furniture glue that stays slightly flexible.
- Avoid the sun: Direct sunlight is the enemy of that deep, honey-colored maple finish. It will bleach it out in a few years.
The Verdict on Your Investment
Is a Nichols and Stone chair worth the hunt? Absolutely. Whether you want a "Boston Rocker" for a nursery or a set of "Captain’s Chairs" for the dining room, you’re buying a piece of American history.
Honestly, the fact that these chairs are still around—and still sturdy—after a century of use tells you everything you need to know. They weren't made for a season; they were made for a lifetime.
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Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the Underside: Flip your chairs over tonight. Look for that burned-in shield or a faded paper label from Gardner, MA.
- Verify the Wood: Feel the weight. If it’s light and feels "hollow," it’s likely a reproduction. Authentic Nichols & Stone pieces are notoriously heavy.
- Browse Local Estate Sales: These often fly under the radar because they look like "just another wooden chair" to the untrained eye. Look for the distinctive splayed legs and the "V" brace on the back of Windsor models.
- Research the Model: If you find a number stamped near the logo (like 445-020), you can often track down the original catalog entry to see exactly when your chair was born.