Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Lot 379: Antique American Victorian Steer Horn Armchair, Upholstered Throne Form, Late 19th C.
2026-04-25T15:00:00Z
Start price: CAD $100
Lot 379:
Antique American Victorian Steer Horn Armchair, Upholstered Throne Form, Late 19th C.
Description
An unusual and visually striking American Victorian armchair constructed with an elaborate arrangement of animal horns, forming a dramatic “throne”-like silhouette with an upholstered seat, exemplifying the period’s fascination with naturalistic and eccentric decorative forms.
Details
Origin: American
Period: Late 19th century, Victorian era
Materials: Animal horns, wood frame, upholstered seat
Construction:
Multiple curved horns integrated into arms, crest, and apron
Upholstered seat in patterned textile
Wooden legs with later-added supports for structural stability
Dimensions: 40h x 23.5w x 29d inches including extended horns
Design Features:
Highly sculptural horn back forming a crown-like crest
Curving horn arm supports and apron decoration
Dense, organic composition characteristic of Victorian novelty furniture
Throne-like presence with strong decorative impact
Condition: Fair to good; upholstery with visible wear and losses; horns with natural patina and age-related wear; later leg supports added
Missing a Horn to the back.
Horn furniture emerged as a distinctive novelty within Victorian decorative arts, reflecting a broader 19th-century fascination with the natural world, hunting culture, and rustic ornamentation. American examples, while less commonly documented than European Black Forest counterparts, were produced for both domestic interiors and lodge or camp settings, often emphasizing individuality and visual spectacle.
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