American Renaissance Revival Spring Steel, Burled Walnut and Walnut Palmer Patent Rocking Chair, the patent granted in 1870, the crests with a central carved medallion depicting a classical bust edged in Greek-key decor, the upholstered back joined to spring steel arm supports which return the reclined chair to its upright position, the whole on a cheval base, h. 43". Theodore Palmer received an award for his "elastic arms" rocking chair at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, wherein the judges sited it for "originality in purpose". For a discussion of Palmer's Patent rocking chairs, see Hanks, Innovative Furniture in America from 1800 to Present pp. 34-35.