Reproduction Antique Chair Finials

New York
Reproduction Antique Chair Finials Using Laser Scanning

These chair finials were reproduced for antique high back chairs, by furniture maker Charles Rohlfs. He was known for his unique "artistic furniture" style, and was a leading figure of the Arts and Crafts movement. It was a small job for a local furniture restoration shop, as they had one finial, but needed two more. The finials go on top of the back legs, which extend past your head when seated.

HFM laser scanned the original, and then drew surfaces over it, to ensure smoothness and perfect symmetry. The parts were then cut out and sent unfinished to the shop, where they stained and finished them to match. They had tried carving one by hand, which took a few hours, and didn't come out right. Once it was scanned and programmed, HFM could carve as many as they wanted, each one the same.

These chair finials were reproduced for antique high back chairs, made by furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, famous for his "artistic furniture" style. It was a small job for a local furniture restoration shop. The finials go on top of the back legs, which extend past your head when seated. They had one finial, but needed two more.

HFM laser scanned the original, and then drew surfaces over it to get smooth surfaces with perfect symmetry. The parts were cut out and sent unfinished to the shop where they stained and finished them to match. They had tried carving one by hand, which took a few hours, and didn't come out right. Once it was scanned and programmed, HFM could carve as many as they want, each one the same.

(Click to enlarge) The dining chair, designed by Charles Rohlfs.	(Click to enlarge) All three chair finials. If you look closely, you can spot the original.
(Click to enlarge) Laser scan data for the original.	(Click to enlarge) Redrawn surfaces over the laser scanning.


	66 N. Main Street, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 Phone: 585-624-3340 EMAIL