We’ve completed upholstery on a number of soft furnishing for clients and, as we’ve worked through their completion, I can certainly attest, in the world of English antiques, it is not always what’s seen but often what one can’t that separates a good from a fine piece. The fancy show-frame portion- the mahogany legs, cresting rail, and arms- can sometimes mask an inner frame that has been much tinkered. Mind you, that the underframe has tack holes the result of innumerable reupholsterings, if it were not in worked over condition would be very much of a surprise.
What we also frequently find are the insertions of springs. With the introduction of spring metal in the early 19th century, some enterprising fellow determined that, in lieu of webbing and cane that would eventually sag, springs would provide a durable alternative. Sadly, seat rails had to be radically invaded to support the springs themselves. How often, in order to put an 18th century piece in shape, we have had to replace seat rails that would have been in good condition but for the well-meaning and misguided attention of an earlier upholsterer.