Wholesale Early 20th-Century Montgomery Ward Armchair with Hudson, Nevada Ghost-Town Provenance (c 1915-1928)

The Piece An early 20th-century American armchair, retailed through Montgomery Ward & Co., dating confidently to circa 1915–1928, and preserved with its original shipping tag documenting delivery to Hudson, Nevada, now a documented ghost town in Lyon County. This chair represents a moment when American furniture was designed to be both respectable and reachable—sold through national catalog houses and shipped by rail to even the most remote communities. Its survival, along with its original tag, offers rare, tangible insight into how everyday Americans furnished their homes during a period of rapid expansion and transition. The chair has been carefully restored and reupholstered, bringing it forward for modern use while retaining its original structure, proportions, and historical character. Design & Construction Form & Style This chair is a clear example of early American Colonial Revival furniture, a style that flourished in the 1910s–1920s and drew inspiration from 18th-century English and American precedents. Key features include: → A pierced, hand-cut back splat with flowing, symmetrical negative space → A scalloped crest rail recalling simplified Queen Anne motifs → Gently flared arms with a graceful, restrained sweep → Turned front legs and stretcher supports typical of early 20th-century production The silhouette balances decorative tradition with practical restraint—formal enough for a parlor, yet light enough for daily use. Materials & Finish → Solid hardwood frame (likely maple or birch, common to Montgomery Ward production) → Original turned legs and stretchers → Freshly applied, warm hand-rubbed stain that enhances natural grain → Professionally reupholstered seat in a sage-and-cream woven textile → Reinforced seat deck and updated padding for longevity The upholstery introduces softness and comfort without overpowering the woodwork, allowing the chair to function comfortably in modern interiors. Craftsmanship Despite its catalog origins, craftsmanship remains evident throughout: → Pierced splat cut by scroll saw and hand-smoothed → Lathe-turned legs with subtle tapering and ring accents → Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery at structural points → Clean, tailored upholstery with tight corners and even tension The restoration respects the original construction rather than masking it—enhancing function without erasing history. Historical Context & Provenance The original shipping tag identifies this chair as a Montgomery Ward catalog item, listed as: “WDN ARM CHR” (Wooden Arm Chair) Item No.