When we found this at a local antique store it was covered in dust, pollen, a small amount of bird poop, and lots of cobwebs. It looked like it might have been stored in a barn for several years. Underneath the grime we could tell the cane was in good shape and the frame was still solid. It took a whole lot of paper towels, two microfiber cloths, and a good amount of soap to get it clean.
While I can sit in it, it is a little small. Hobbes fits in it perfectly. We are wondering if it was originally designed to be used by adults or for an older child.
UPDATE: One of our neighbors thinks it may be a nursing rocker. For that purpose, the seat would be lower than normal to allow a mother wearing a corset to more easily interact with the children..