Want this, get that: Thonet Bentwood Rocker

I have come to the realization that the chair that currently resides in our living room is a bit too big/ awkward sized for the bebe's room.  Oh, and re-upholstering it will actually cost more than the chair at its time of purchase.  Forgot to mention that!  Soooo...I will actually be selling that little guy on craigslist (and Gimlet) in order to make room for the womb chair.  Stay tuned if you are interested! 

Anyhoo, I have been on the hunt for a comfy (aka high backed) vintage rocking chair for a couple of days now, to no avail so far.  I am not discouraged, though.   I have a plan!

I want this:

Lee Kleinhelter's nursery, featuring a vintage rocker with nubby apple green fabric

I know you have seen the Pieces Princess' nursery a million times, but have you ever really examined that rocker?  It is good looking.

However, a rocker like that beaut is hard to find.  The kind-of-similar one I spyed on 1st Dibs was, unforunately, in the four figure range and such a purchase would defeat the purpose of ditching my upholstery project for a more economical option. 

Enter the Thonet Bentwood Rocker (all CAPS), of course.

How many of you had/have these or a knock off? 

I have a soft spot for them and always have...

If you would like a 25 second history lesson on the beautiful bentwood design, click here. Something I learned today was that I have always pronounced Thonet as "tho-nay" but it is actually "Tone-ette."  Makes sense, considering he was Austrian, but I digress...

Anyhoo, there are some decent options on ebay.  Not all of them are original Thonets (and those that are, of course, are cost prohibitive), but I will not let that stop me...especially if I decide that the sucker should be sprayed white or even something more fabulous than white. 

Antique Thonet, listed on ebay for $1,497.99

Knock off listed on ebay for $99.00

My plan is to search around locally as I have received a hot tip (thanks, E.Lee!) that some Thonet-y looking rockers were at Salvation Army.  I also added a Craigslist search to my google feed and have alerted some local dealers that I am on the hunt. 

That being said, Gimlet Nation, please heed my call!  If you spy one of these rockers somewhere in or near Nola, will you contact me?  I promise you will be pleased with your finders fee! 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S. Speaking of Lee Kleinhelter, the One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale is featuring her selections today.  Um, there are some bentwood pieces on there.  Of course!  Check it out even if just for the eye candy and inspiration!