Friday, March 18, 2011

Duck, Duck...Swan?!

The Craigslist ad said "Duck Head Chairs For Sale".  I was bored  intrigued. "What the heck is a duck head chair?" I wondered?  I clicked on the link and here is what I found...


You cannot tell from the photo but they have brass lion paw feet!
Two for $100!  I looked at the clock...8:00 pm.  I called the number in the listing.  They were still available.
"May I come in the morning?" I asked.  She lived an hour away and I didn't want to come too late.
"Sure!" She replied and gave me her address.
I hung up the phone then picked it up again, "Is it too late to come tonight?" I asked.
"No, come on over."
I jumped in the car in my jammies and Gracie and I headed to Chicago.  An hour and fifteen minutes later we were safely on our way home with our new "duck head" chairs!  I say "safely" because the woman didn't live in the best neighborhood.  The hallways in the building reeked of human urine. I remember thinking "we are going to die" as she closed the iron gate on the elevator!
We made it out.  She was a very nice lady who was down on her luck.  I still pray for her.  I paid $150 for the chairs because I felt bad for her and her situation.
Which reminds me, if you are going to buy something on Craigslist make sure someone knows where you are going.  It really isn't wise to go into an apartment building with someone you don't know.  I always make an odd, awkward segue onto the topic of my husband being a police officer. You just never know!  LOL!

Why was I in such a hurry to buy these you may ask?  Google.  That's why!  I googled the description of the chairs and here is what I found...


"French iron Goose neck folding Empire chairs c1900. This pair of French Empire Goose neck chairs are a decorators delight. They are not only strong but they are comfortable as well. Excellent original condition with bronze claw feet,arm rings and goose head and neck backs. Each chair measures 36 inches to the top of their back,15 and one half inches wide,18 and one half inches to the top of the seats and 14 and one half inches deep Both of these chairs can fold up for easy storage."

The cost?  $1,800!  There are also two sets on 1st Dibs, one has a table and the prices are even higher!  I would call the style Directoire, rather than Empire, though.  What do you think?

I want to change the fabric but I am looking for ideas.  Napoleonic stars perhaps?
*Edit*  I found these Belgian tapestries in Ye Olde Garage.  I was going to make pillows from them but I think they look like they belong on these chairs!  What do you think?

29 comments:

  1. My first reaction was god those are ugly, but the more I looked the more they grew on me, even without your research. I'm very happy for your find. Without the arms looks so better.

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  2. I would call them "harp chairs" - this is the first thing that comes to my mind when I look at them, but I am no expert. Nice find.

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  3. I think they are beautiful!
    Happy weekend wishes from Norway!

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  4. Wow great find Andie! I love those chairs too but without the arms. You have such great taste that I know whatever fabric you use they'll be beautiful. You're too funny, you went in your pajamas? Be careful where you go into! Great find!

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  5. So unique, glad you found them! Can't wait to see your fabric choice!

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  6. Incredible find!!! They're great!! I agree with letting someone know where you are headed. When I sell things on Craig's list I meet in a public place. I never have gone to anyone's house nor have they been to mine. You go girl!!

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  7. Ms. Divine, You were brave, but I can see why. Those chairs are DIVINE!. They are swan heads and harps, who could ask for any thing more. I worry about you in those neighborhoods. people are crazy these days. They do not even think twice about shooting someone. I think our country is going backward to the Wild, Wild west. There will be something happen that will stop all this, but how long will it be before then and how many people will have to die. SOPRRY, thanking God you are safe. Please be careful, as I have grown very fond of you. And OH yes, the man who designed Yours and Mine Toile wallpaper. Christopher Moore for Lee Jofa, called and wants to use my house with his toiles in his new book!!! Also Victorian Homes Magazine with my house is coming out next month. June issue, but will be on news stands the end of April. look for it. LOVE YOU! RC and S

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  8. What unique chairs!! I can't believe you went there yourself!! Your hubby is a police officer? My husband was a police officer for over 20yrs!!

    I look forward to seeing the fabric you pick out for the chairs!

    Pamela :)

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  9. What a totally cool find! I can't wait to see your redo of them.

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  10. Andie,

    I agree with all the comments above, but you are certainly a kind and caring person to have paid more for the chairs than the asking price.
    Great find!

    Jeanette

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  11. Wow! My mouth is still open, Andie! What a find...fabulous! I love them! I'm sorry the Queen of Hearts doesn't ship. They are about an hour away and I may be able to get back out there...but can't promise. I have a grandson due any day now! :-) I will let you know if I can pick the cherub hook up for you if you really want it! Hope you are having a great weekend!...hugs...Debbie

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  12. Andie, you are crazy going there by yourself in your jammies of all things! Love the chairs and yes the fabric looks perfect. Wow, what a steal you got. My son in law is a police officer, too.

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  13. The chairs are gorgeous!! But BE careful next time you follow up on a Craigs List find!!! Fabric...gosh. I don't know. You will find something beautiful, I know!!

    Thank you for your visit!


    XO,

    Jane

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  14. Those chairs are FANTASTIC!!! I love interesting pieces like that! I think the Belgian Tapestries will look perfect on them! What an interesting story, you were a brave (or foolish?) lady to do what you did, especially at night. I'm so glad it turned out so well.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  15. Hi there~WOWSERS!!! What fantastic chairs!! They are amazing and such a unique find! I hear you on the driving to get them asap- but you have to be careful with craigslist girl!! Your chairs are absolutely gorgeous and I think the fabric you found for them is perfect!! Can't wait to see the finished product!!! Hugs, Courtney

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  16. Great score, glad you travel in pairs for any Craigs List meetings... having retired from a DA's Office I know how unsafe such things can be so it is good that you exercise caution when dealing directly with strangers in a private transaction.

    Thanks for the tip on the Sconces... now I shall have my eyes glued to E-Bay! *winks* As I surf to match up a pair that resemble those Sconces I've been salivating over for months! I plan to use them *when I score some that is* in the Traveling Studio *when The Man scores one for me that is* after it is tricked out in Boheme' splendor... see how far into the future my Vision goes!!! *LOL* I'm the eternal Optimist I am... and the Laws of Attraction being called upon to respond in my favor... he he he...

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  17. Amazing chairs! You truly scored! The tapestries look like a perfect fiy...a big yes to those! You are so lucky!!!
    xo J~

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  18. Thanks for following! Craig's list is famous for disaster. I had a friend that had a knife pulled on her when she showed her apartment. Enough said, no more prowling the urban jungle in your P.J.'s The chairs are truly amazing. I feel sorry for the poor lady that had to sell them.
    Best,
    Liz

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  19. Oh wow, how astounding is this? No wonder you went in a hurry!!
    Fabulous that you got there in time!!!
    XO

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  20. P.S. I'm your newest follower...So nice to meet you.
    XO

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  21. Your chairs are fabulous and the tapestry is absolutely made for them.

    I am going to ditto Richard and others. Please be careful!

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  22. Hi Most Divine One! Oh, what wonderful chairs. Looks like swan heads to me. Now I'm acting like a mother here...did you go by yourself to get these chairs? Oh, that's a scary thought! I guess I've just seen too many scary movies but I would be afraid to go to a Craigslist find without someone with me. You be safe!
    Whew! Okay, I'm glad you're home now safe and sound with your expensive new chairs! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;) sorry about the real rabbits chewing on all of your plants! Little stinkers!

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  23. I have never seen chairs like that! Love them and your fabric. You have the most amazing eye for gorgeous and interesting finds. (I have also been to some very dodgy places on a quest for a new piece of furniture so I know what it's like to be a girl on a mission!!)

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  24. Gah! What a wonderful find, Andie! I probably wouldn't have looked twice at these chairs. You certainly have a good eye. I like the tapestry you found for the seats, just when are you going to open up your own little store from your garage? And stay safe!

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  25. Hi! How are you? I'm here to tell you... Happy Spring! See you soon... Hugs...

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  26. You are... a treasure hunter extraordinaire!
    OMG. These are fantastic.
    I do hope you are going to make it to Anna's this week. Not sure if you need a pair of matching sofas, Andie, but I saw two today in the booth outside of mine that would go PERfectly in you home.
    They are newer but are architecturally interesting. If I get back there this week I will email you a pic. I LOVE them. They belong in your house near your fireplace and near all your architectural elements!
    xx
    A

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  28. That is a great story and you have a great eye! I'm glad you got out of there safe and sound too.

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  29. Awesome find! I need to do the same thing with some chairs that I have.

    Natalie from www.natarmournest.blogspot.com

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