Definitely. When you stop and think about a chair frame, the seating surface is supported by (4) legs, that are all integrated into the frame structure. The frame itself on a piece like Baker is double-doweled, screwed with corner blocks and glued at all four corners.

When you look at the arm of a wing chair frame, its supported at two places, to the vertical back of the frame and also to the front support, again on a vertical piece. There are no cross joints to support the weight of someone sitting on the arms. While the arm may not break, it will loosen laterally (side to side) with repeated stress, eventually causing breakdown of the arm.

-Duane Collie

Here is a link that might be useful: Chair Frame

Thanks--this is what I thought. Of course, the next question is, how to solve this problem without being impolite to guests. Maybe a little porcelain garden stool next to it so it is inconvenient to sit on the arm. There's a solution! VZ

Probably a Baker piece will tolerate this better than most makes, so take a little solace in that. Find a delicate piece of tapestry or something like that to place on the arm to discourage people. If someone moves it, ask them to put it back because its there to discourage sitting on the arm. It makes the situation a little less personal.