This elegant reclining armchair is generously on loan from the local Haberfield family. Mrs Haberfield is a member of the Anderson family from the Tower Hill region, and the chair was handed down to her from them. When it arrived at Flagstaff Hill in 2009, it was at least 100 years old. The maker, Michael Bradshaw, is currently unknown. The origin of the chair's timber has been lost through the generations, but some have named the armchair the 'Mahogany Chair' after the legendary Mahogany Ship. In August 2009, the wood was expertly examined. The structure of the wood specimens was found to be consistent with: • Pale coloured carcass timber - Fagus sylvatica – Beech (European) • Pale coloured frame timber - Agathis sp – NZ Kauri • Dark coloured timber chair legs (solid) - Swietenia sp. – True Mahogany • Dark coloured timber veneer - Swietenia sp. – True Mahogany • Repair fill-in piece – Quercus sp. – White Oak ( Northern hemisphere) • Repair fill-in piece (fine textured) – Populus sp. – Poplar • Runner wood - Eucalyptus sp – Pale coloured ash group, or messmate The chair is significant for its local origin and history, being connected to generations of the Anderson and Haberfield families. It is also significant for its elaborate and unusual design, the quality of its workmanship and materials. It is a fine example of good quality furniture of the late 19th century.The Haberfield Chair is a reclining armchair that includes a footrest and a detachable book rest. The chair features a dark timber frame and dark burgundy (now dark brown), Morocco goat skin leather upholstery. The backrest is finished with button detailing, and its frame is distinguished by gracefully curved corners, lending the chair an elegant appearance. The chair’s padded leather armrests have attractive, crafted carvings at each end. A lever located below the armrest operates the recliner’s ratchet mechanism, which also causes a footrest to slide forward for greater comfort. The turned and carved front legs are equipped with wheels, allowing for easy movement. The removable book rest is mounted on a brass pedestal. Its angle can be conveniently adjusted using a screw to move the ball and socket joint, ensuring personalised reading comfort. There is a handwritten inscription on the underside of the back rail. The chair is kindly on loan from the local Haberfield family. In pen and ink: “Made from Mahogany Ship wrecked near Tower Hill, July 3, 1835: made by Michael Bradshaw 18-2-“ [originally thought to read 1842]flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, armchair, reclining armchair, reading board, mahogany chair, haberfield chair, furniture, living room furniture, domestic furniture, 19th century, luxury, morroco leather, book stand, book rest, side table, music stand, reading stand, reading rest, foot rest, reading table