Druce & Co. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. Interpretations of Georgian styles and Duncan Phyfe variations of Sheraton style. It was only in the 18th & 19th centuries that the British furniture manufacturers started marking their pieces with handwritten and more sophisticated ink inscriptions on paper labels. Auction Value - Estates, IRS & attorneys often settle for auction instead of retail/wholesale. (Private collection.) Founded in 1731, one of the era's top furniture makers. However, finding and identifying these can be a challenge! Examine these parts carefully; slight differences in size or shape are not always easy to spot. Antique Furniture by Morison & Co - March 19, 2021. His son, also called John, transformed the company into one of the biggest, most successful cabinet makers of its time. On the caned side chair that he crafted, the furniture craftsman who made it left an intriguing signature that consisted of the letter I and a dash that ran through the middle of it. American furniture styles have seen a significant number of style periods since the early Colonial era, with each period being to some degree influenced by the pieces being built in Europe (generally England and France). Builder's signature (older items are more likely to have this) There are, of course, books you can buy that have thousands of images to help antique collectors with the identification process, and there are also a few websites dedicated . 83 High Street POPLAR.. Or A. Motzer, Connecticut, 1790. But just because something is old, it doesnt necessarily mean its antique. The county was also crossed by several creeks which provided water power for early nineteenth century factories. Very early furniture, from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the eighteenth century, is mostly, Around the 1670s they came to recognise the better properties of the, Identifying Antique English Furniture Styles, Identifying Antique American Furniture Styles, How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique, Style: English Baroque (furniture less heavy than one in French or Italian Baroque), Wood: oak; walnut; also cherry and later mahogany; walnut veneers applied to an oak base for less expensive furniture, Form: graceful curves; cabriole legs; claw-and-ball foot, Decoration: figured veneers, foliage marquetry, curved legs with carved shells on the knees, lacquered furniture (japanning), gilt furniture, Key figures: Andrea Palladio; William Kent, Style: Palladian style (1720s-1740s); Baroque, Wood: walnut; walnut veneers applied to oak furniture; gilt gesso, Form: architectural forms; strict symmetry; furniture larger in scale (comfort becomes more important); pad foot introduced; cabriole legs and claw-and-ball foot still widely used, Decoration: walnut burr used as a decorative effect; marquetry no longer in fashion; Classical motifs incorporated; japanning, Key figures: Thomas Chippendale; Thomas Johnson; Mathew Darly, Style: Rococo; oriental influences; Gothic influences, Form: Asymmetrical ornaments; chairs with broad square seats, Key figures: Robert Adam; James Stuart; George Hepplewhite; Thomas Sheraton; Thomas Chippendale; John Linnel, Wood: Mahogany, satinwood used as veneer, rosewood, kingwood, exotic wood, Form: Symmetrical design introduced; architectonic forms; previously valued Baroque and Rococo curves gradually superseded by straight and elegant lines; tapered legs, pad feet, Decoration: chiefly used Classical motifs, such as palmettes, vases, bay leaves, Greek keys, griffins, sphinxes, etc. Some of the most notable traits of the Chippendale style were the famous cabriole legs and the ornate leg styles: Other features of Chippendales' work showcase the aberrations of handmade furniture. John Cobb was born in the era of Chippendale. The creation of drawer pulls passed through a number of clearly defined stages throughout the course of their history. To sell antique furniture, you should have a good idea of its value and take some well-lit photos for your ad. Do all of the screws in a piece have the same size and shape? We'll work with you to design and build the perfect custom furniture for your individual home. Furniture marks can become a mystery when you find them, and in some cases, locating the marks can be just as puzzling. Inspired by American methods, Henry Shapland introduced machinery to speed up production, although they still used traditional finishing. Heals of London. J. Riker, 1932 [32.51.2]. Doing this will not only help you figure out the year when the antique piece was made but will also help you better estimate the exact value of the antique. You can determine the age of your antique furniture makers and hardware by looking at the qualities of the nail. It is, however, worth noting that none of the 6 different paper labels by Savery are dated. Makers marks in the form of metal tags may be added to furnitures bottom edges, particularly on the side or back borders. Use the press and stay informed about current trends and potential scams in the antique trade by consulting popular and highly regarded antique trade publications. Pine was favoured in America for many years because of its versatility and abundance, though good quality furniture might be of mahogany, cherry, walnut, maple, or oak. They allied with Waring of Liverpool in 1897 and merged to become Waring & Gillow in 1903. Although they mostly used mahogany and oak, some of their best pieces were made from solid rosewood. Nails first started being produced out of steel rather than wrought iron in the year 1885. Most antique wooden furniture you will encounter, will either be from traditional English periods or American Colonial styles. Design or Manufacture Date. He was the son of a carpenter. If you examine the parts carefully, youll see that they are not identical. Wade Pottery Mark c1957 onwards. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you Signatures commemorating the transition to independent artisans from apprenticeship are some of the most common makers marks that originate from the beginning of the 19th century. Sadly, the building was destroyed in WWII, and the business was closed down. If a joint was dovetailed by hand, it has only a few dovetails, and they are not exactly even; if it has closely spaced, precisely cut dovetails, it was machine-cut. Primarily because so many of us naturally do what's most important when collecting antique furniture. For example, this 18th century flame mahogany clock by Thomas Coxworthy has the maker's name on it. John Cobb and William Vile John Cobb was born in the era of Chippendale. If the piece has drawers, remove a drawer and look carefully where the front and back of the drawer are fastened to the sides of the drawer. A saved joined armchair he made in 1695 features a mark 16 R 95/RI, representing him and his spouse Janet. He had an eye for business and was a self-publicist. Japanned decoration tends to be in red, green and gilt, often on a blue-green field. Only the shadow of long-dead paper labels or painted-over metal tags may be found. However, many will be paper labels with printed or handwritten details, usually the name of the furniture maker and their address. Its a good idea to familiarise yourself with different furniture styles and the dates they cover. 925-1000.com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver. You may also utilize the date hints that are shown below. Furniture produced by The Gustave Stickley Company is believed to bear this mark in about 1900 to 1901. Names may be found in different places depending on the maker. They specialised in updating older designs with precision and craftsmanship. Older keyholes might be identified by telltale signs of hand filing, such as rough edges or an absence of exact symmetry. One of the neatest furniture makers Sikes researched was an African-American man named Henry Boyd who was born into slavery in Kentucky on May 14, 1802 and then bought his freedom at the age of eighteen. Although he occasionally worked in walnut, cherry and maple veneers, they were not very typical in the iconic Chippendale style. An antique piece of furniture may often be dated to before 1790 if it has nails that were hand-forged. Check the piece in an inconspicuous spot with denatured alcohol; if finish dissolves, it's shellac. How to Age and Patina Copper or Brass - June 12, 2021. Gillows Of Lancaster And London Gillow stamped much of the furniture they produced. 2023 Homes Direct 365. Starting in 1829 as coffin makers, this company soon began producing high-quality wardrobes, dining tables and chairs with a high degree of craftsmanship. In the middle of the 19th century, machine-made screws were often utilized by those who created furniture. . This way, precious metals are always accounted for by the government, independent craftsperson, and the owner. This means jury of cabinetmakers and carpenters, and items were only stamped if they passed inspection. Hepplewhite's life is relatively shrouded in mystery as little is known of his earlier years other than he opened a shop at one point and had created a chair that was looked upon favorably by the Prince of Wales. Also, you may want to try an online resource like Antique Marks. Shapland & Petter. You need to check for signs that the item of furniture has aged. Very early furniture was almost always made from oak, right up until the 1700s. Furniture in the Sheraton style was deceptively simple but ultimately refined and stately despite lack of much ornamentation and featured notably lighter elements, such as thinner legs and appears visually lighter. 1. To locate things that have recently been purchased using the online auction platform, do an advanced search and then select the sold listings button. The majority of the autographs that were seen on furniture in the nineteenth century belonged to individual craftsmen who worked independently. Gustav, Leopold and J. George were a leading force in spreading the Arts and Crafts style in America. How To Identify Antique Wooden Furniture. Gillow stamped much of the furniture they produced. If it is shellac, it will dissolve. A joined armchair that dates back to 1695 has Robert Rheas initials. Robert Rheas mark represented him and his wife. They were often recessed into the top of the wooden surface. Consulting London Furniture Makers 1660 to 1840 should give you a head start on getting the information you need. The finish on furniture, made before 1860, is usually shellac; if the piece is very old, it may be oil, wax, or milk paint. 2004 - 2023 APPRAISAL VALUES & MAKERS MARKS IDENTIFICATION. They hung on two pins that curled inward to complete the handle. He was particularly acclaimed for the highly sculptural gilt . However, to the great joy of todays antique collectors, some early artisans did inscribe, label, stencil, and brand their furniture. One of the most prestigious cabinet makers of Victorian times, established in 1825, they became cabinet makers to the Queen. Roger Vandercruse Lacroix. Unfortunately, not a single one of the six paper labels had a date written on it, despite the fact that it was known that he affixed them to rush bottom chairs and other furniture pieces. Formal. Trading between 1823 and 1870, James Winter produced some beautiful items at their Soho workshop. One of the more enigmatic marks by American makers at the beginning of the 18th century featured punch marks arranged as I with a dash through the center. Finding a label on a piece of furniture now means that the collector has to know what kind of label it is to decipher its meaning. Meanwhile in 1730s mahogany became increasingly popular after it was introduced to England, imported from the British colonies in Honduras and the West Indies. So, when you see JME on French antiques, it isnt a makers mark! Quaint. He was a brilliant cabinetmaker but also became known for being an inventor, artist, mystic, and a religious controversialist. Vintage furniture is highly collectable but is usually between 20 and 100 years old. This article, however, should make the subject much easier even for absolute beginners. To find the mark, look at the entire piece. Often described as one of the best bniste of his time, Roger Vandercruse (1728 1799) was part of a network of fine craftsmen in Paris. Walker and Hall, 9-15 Howard Street, Sheffield, Est. It is possible to locate it at the very bottom of the drawer. This measure 48" Long X 20" Deep X 20" High. Jean-Henri Riesner. Some antiques have names so synonymous with beauty, grace, and elegance they've become near-legendary in collector circles. Have Patience If you want to find out how much your furniture could be worth, you should go through both active and sold ads. The earliest paper label is probably the one noting that William Savery produced all sorts of rush bottom chairs. 3 or 4 labels advertised joiners work and chairs produced and sold by William Savery and also directed the readers to Saverys place of work. India Laminated Timber Manufacturers, Antique & Reproduction Furniture Manufacturers, include mark laminex pvt ltd and 1 more results. Be sure to also include photos of any appraisals or historical documents for your piece to prove its authenticity. Locks and keyholes are common features seen in antique furniture. You should also keep other small diameter components in view. He approaches his work as if creating antiques of the future, so branding his work is paramount. Two does are alerted by the bugling. And that is even if you are focusing on only one aspect of this very diverse subject. It is interesting to note that next to the antique furniture makers marks, you will often discover a list of helpers who assisted in the production of the antique object in question. Because it included a higher percentage of copper, the brass came out looking more reddish. Established in 1808, Morison & Co. was among the best cabinet makers in Scotland. Many of his upholstered settees were of a serpentine form and window seats had delicately scrolled arms while bookcases with delicate tracery in the glass doors were also hallmarks of Hepplewhite style. Some antique dresser hardware and drawer pulls from the nineteenth century were manufactured by hand, and the vast majority had ink stamps. -- New York: Dover NK2529 . The Wilkinson workshop was established in the City of London in 1766. The label was often put on the back of furniture, where it wouldnt ruin the finish, by certain furniture maker. But whether you are looking for a piece of antique furniture for your home or looking for something to sell on; to become knowledgeable about identifying antique furniture takes research. Our list of antique furniture makers marks will help you discover more about your treasured pieces. These antique pieces featured a carrying handle and had a frieze drawer that held sheet music. Antique Chair Styles and Designs - October 3, 2022. Many vintage furniture buyers opt for quality reproductions that are more affordable, and either option is fine providing that you research your subject well when identifying antique furniture. Surprisingly, the maker of the canterburies used a sophisticated inscription to stamp the furniture pieces. In other words, more vintage furniture is acquired for its beauty and function rather than the profit potential of a piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860. A renowned Parisian Masterbniste (from the wood, Ebony), M. Carlin (1730 1785) crafted luxury furniture, often mounted with Svres porcelain. Browse the current listings that are being offered by vendors to get an idea of the prices that others would be ready to pay for items that are comparable. By 1901, they opened a 14-acre site in Tottenham, which soon tripled in size to become the largest factory of its kind in the world. The 'Flag' trademark was registered in 1861. There is no exact science where antique furniture is concerned; you simply make an educated decision based on what is most important to you. Here's a list of antique furniture makers marks. We create heirloom furniture that can become part of generations to come, can also create custom pieces, and only use the very same exceptional quality timbers these Master Cabinetmakers would have used a hundred years or more ago. Before the year 1790, nails were created by hand, which means a blacksmith twisted the nail and then added a rose head by flattening the top of the nail with a hammer. Boston's best furnituremakers made beautiful objects, but many of them struggled to make a living. Wylie & Lochhead. American Furniture Manufacturers Directory. One way of identifying antique furniture is by looking at the makers mark. Consider practical matters Carefully: Always check the size and weight of any piece of antique furniture that interests you. If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in. Silver Hallmarks Silver hallmarks have been used by assay offices and jewelers across the world to assess both the quality and the manufacturing chain which the pieces come from. The structure of the lock and the keyhole plate might help you determine an approximate date and the maker of American furniture styles. Josef made many important pieces of Empire furniture for the Austrian Imperial family and for the middle class he produced many in the Biedermeier style. Maker's marks & hallmarks are from around the world and span all times or periods and for any decorative or artistic style. Early Colonial 17th century Woods used: Pine; birch, maple, walnut Description: Hybrid of English styles; square lines; solid construction; heavy decoration and carving. He gave his name to a style of furniture that displayed a gorgeous, feminine refinement reminiscent of the late Georgian styles and became one of the most powerful influences in furniture during the 18th century. Wilkinson & Son. You will not only be able to determine the year in which the antique item was manufactured, but you will also be able to better assess the precise worth of the antique. reply #3 stuart sneath 13 years ago Yep, good advice. One way of identifying real antique wooden furniture is to check the makers mark. You can never go wrong with vintage furniture in your house. Philadelphia furniture maker William Savery is among the earliest furniture producers to use labels printed on paper. This mark not only adds interest and appeal, but it also provides provenance and, therefore, value. "Retro" jewelry refers to pieces made during the 1940s and '50s and are characterized by the use of large and colorful gemstones. The best way to research the numbers is to post a bunch of well lit, sharp, good looking photos of the piece of furniture, starting with the good looking angles and going down into the ugly stuff like the back, sides of drawers, undersides, insides, bottoms of feet, and random marks, including said numbers. A good place to start your research on American antique furniture makers marks will be Field Guide to American Antique Furniture by Joseph T. Buttler. Selling Furniture. 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