Mid 19th century, mahogany, mahogany veneers, white pine secondary, the rocking chair ( 40 x 23 x 33.5 in.) with carved and applied pierced demi-lune crest, back swept ears, foliate carved double scrolled arm supports and under arm braces, shaped seat. The foot rest with over-upholstered cushion over a deep skirt, raised on applied shaped feet ( 13 x 18 x 17 in.).

Thomas Day was born 1801 in Virginia to free black parents. In 1823, Day moved to Milton, NC where he soon became renowned for his aesthetic vision, inventive decorative motifs and precise craftmanship of his work. This set was obtained from Aspen Hall Plantation in Chatham County, 1970s, from the family that had purchased the home with the original furnishings. The match to this rocker was sold at auction in 2006 and is now in the NC Museum of History.

Some chips to the feet of the foot rest; upholstery in good condition with some fading.

$3,000 - 5,000