antique furniture identification marks

Many old sofas will use dovetail joints. 13 years ago. #2. slykitty. Despite the fact that the interface on this site can be a little bit tough at times, it is worth checking out. Identifying a Duncan Phyfe furniture piece is a challenge, even for antique furniture experts. Be sure to also include photos of any appraisals or historical documents for your piece to prove its authenticity. The label was often put on the back of furniture, where it wouldnt ruin the finish, by certain furniture maker. If your vase is made of glass, the texture, thickness, and composition can also indicate your piece's age. Furniture of this time was made from more expensive woods, such as ebony or rosewood. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Philadelphia furniture maker William Savery is among the earliest furniture producers to use labels printed on paper. The use of marble for tabletops was quite popular, but expect to find the corners shaped to conform to the overall scrolling form. It is easy to tell when the ceramic was made. 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. Its possible that the surface has some ridges and bumps on it. Variations in the size and form of the screws used in a piece of furniture may be attributed to the fact that the screws were handcrafted. A design registration mark or trademark. MARK IDs AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Our marks identification reference guides (see: Ceramics marks guides and Jewelry & Silver marks guides) will help you in deciphering marks, backstamps, markings, hallmarks and other signs or trademarks that reveal who the maker is and when/where your items were made. This is a very valuable tool, as it can give you a better picture of not just an appraiser's value for your inherited furniture, but the actual sale price similar items recently nabbed. Maybe Victorian-style sofas are your thing, or perhaps a mid-century modern credenza is what you're looking for. It is one of the few styles that celebrates elements found in the corresponding architectural themes: turrets, pointed arches and quatrefoilsdesigns found in 12th through 16th centuries that were adapted to this mid-century furniture style. This layered effect was achieved by gluing thin layers together, with the grains running at right angles on each new layer. Antique-Marks - This website is a digital reference collection that's extensive and free to use. When you uncover a furniture mark, it might be a mystery, and sometimes the hunt is just as perplexing. Midcentury Modern Furniture Marks. Finishes were natural, fumed or painted. You can identify antique furniture using a few different methods, though sometimes it's easier to take it to an antique dealer. Specialty guides to particular regions are also excellent resources, such as, Use company archives for research. It was one way for the young Colonists to show their own unique style, with each regional area initiating special design elements. Frank Lloyd Wright Furniture - Description. Moldings and turnings are exaggerated in size. These wooden chairs became popular starting in the 18th century, and many manufact, How to Identify Antique Desk Styles With Ease, Knowing how to identify antique desk styles can help you choose the right desk for your space, as well as get a sense of the history of antique desks you own. Tiffany Lamps Highlight Fontaine's Arts Auction. The diamond-shaped English Registry mark, was used by the English patent office since 1842 to identify pieces of English pottery, porcelain, and other products. Numbers or various forms of identification and makers marks, such as serial numbers, Indications that the piece of furniture in question has organically weathered over time, The variety of wood and the quality of it, Whether or if the furniture is appropriate for the particular time period and location, Whether the runners on the drawers seem worn, A piece seems even and smoothes all around, with excellent joints, Wear and tear, scuffs, scratches, and maybe evidence of water damage can be seen on this item, British Antique Furniture: Price Guide and Reasons for Values, Millers Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2020-2021, Kovels Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2022, Warmans Antiques & Collectibles 2012 Price Guide. A rare huanghuali daybed, 17th century. One of the enigmatic signs was discovered on a chest-on-frame that was crafted in the state of Pennsylvania. It is possible to locate it at the very bottom of the drawer. The L. & J.G. The joinery is the first spot to check. The difficulty of verifying the age of an item like this, even if it is an antique, is something that must be avoided. This book gave cabinetmakers real direction and they soon eagerly copied the styles presented. The basic wood used in the Empire period was mahogany. It is characterized by elements reminiscent of Greek architecture, such as pilasters, flutes, column, acanthus, foliate scrolls, Greek key motifs and anthemion high-relief carving. They left their labels on each item, which often featured the name of the former owner or the manufacturers logo along with the location of the item. The two styles look similar, but to the trained eye, there are distinct differences. Beginning in the late 18th century and continuing until 1819, he worked as a furniture maker, and chalk inscription is his characteristic. This design style features the use of scrolls, either in a C shape or the more fluid S shape. Stamps and labels can also be found inside many dresser drawers. Developed in the early 18th century, the escritoire grew out ofand the term may still apply toa writing box or small . How To Upholster A Non Removable Chair Seat? He pioneered the Mission oak type furnishings. Identify. This is relatively easy to identify for collectors. Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward are among the most famous catalog companies, and they sold many furniture lines. 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. The style was only popular in clusters, but did entice makers from larger metropolitan areas, such as Boston and New Orleans, to embrace the style. 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. Although the subject of shop marks in Stickley's literature has received extensive treatment since the revival of interest in his furniture began nearly fifty years ago, it would be unwise to think that as a methodology for dating furniture, identification of the marks alone is inherently accurate. Some antique dresser hardware and drawer pulls from the nineteenth century were manufactured by hand, and the vast majority had ink stamps. This period was heavily influenced by the work of Thomas Sheraton and his series of books, The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Drawing Book, from 1791-1794, and his The Cabinet Directory, 1803, and The Cabinet-Maker, Upholsterer, and General Artists Encyclopedia of 1804. Bamboo. This style of furniture was not warmly embraced, as the sweeping lines were not very conducive to mass production. During the Empire (Classical) period,feet could be highly ornamental, as when they are carved to look like lions paws. Antique Shops. Woods used during this period were mahogany and mahogany veneer, but other native woods, such as maple, birch or satinwood, were used. The following are some of the things you should check: Although the majority of auction websites do not provide services to value antiques, they do present a significant amount of information to visitors. However, the following are tips for identifying specific antiques. In most cases, you can effortlessly find a label or metallic tag with the name, location, and production date in pieces produced after the 19th century. 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. The scale used ranged from large and grand to small and petite. The experts think that it was perhaps the oldest printed label ever used by a furniture manufacturer in the United States. Woods tend to be maple, walnut, white pine or southern yellow pine. This period is named for the famous English cabinetmaker, Thomas Chippendale, who wrote a book of furniture designs, Gentlemen and Cabinet-Makers Director, published in 1754, 1755 and 1762. Certain furniture foot styles were restricted to a particular age while others span between ages. Bed, Italian production of the 60s. Claw and ball feet become even larger and more decorative. On the upholstery of one of his sofas in New York, he employed a printed label for the first time. There are thousands of shop marks, labels and tags out there, so where to begin identifying a specific mark? This antique oak dresser and rack was made in North Wales, the canopied rack and cupboard like arrangement of drawers particularly point to this region. Although there are no simple tricks, one way to begin the identification is to become familiar with furniture labels and markings. This is interpreted by some furniture scholars as back-to-back Es. The item must have been handled by various entities before getting to the original user(s). The cocktail table first enters the furniture scene during this period. If you see that, along with a company name, you may have a genuine antique on your hands. From 195s American kitchen sets to classic French furniture to Chinese . Handmade dovetail joints date back to the pre-1860 era, as machine-cut dovetails became a thing after 1860. The foot might be a simple extension of the leg, or bulbous or spade shaped. Technology advances enhanced this design style, as manufacturers developed a way of laminating woods together. The pull had a flat plate made of brass as its backing, and it was affixed to the piece of furniture using nails or primitive bolts and nuts. The marked antique pieces also serve as the Rosetta stones for evaluating and identifying the anonymous pieces. A Step-by-Step Guide, Can You Use An Air Mattress As A Regular Bed? Printed or Stamped marks in colours other than blue tend to be post 1850. However, once you familiarize you, The Pawsome Art of Antique Staffordshire Dog Figurines. When a piece of furniture is made in England, or styled after an English example, it may be known as Hepplewhite. These are usually hidden as the makers didn't want to spoil the look of each piece of furniture. Alternatively, they might be shown on a plaque that provides rudimentary information on the item. It also makes use of the new machine-turned spools and spiral profiles that were fast becoming popular with furniture makers. Before you attend your next estate sale in search of antique pieces, be sure you have a general knowledge base of antique items, as well as an idea on how to identify them. Explore over 425 Million "sold for" prices with item details and images. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Ornamentation was created through the use of brackets, grooves, chamfers and geometric designs. Research and experience will tell you if the color, texture, weight, design, or general "feel" of the piece is right. The following resources will help: Furniture marks can be mystery when you find one, and sometimes the search is just as puzzling. This guy is credited for producing the oldest piece of furniture ever mass-produced in Philadelphia, which is still in existence. Elizabethan (1520-1620) Early American Style (1640-1700) Before this time, nails were made of iron. Nails first started being produced out of steel rather than wrought iron in the year 1885. Identifying antique furniture makers' marks can quickly tell a buyer whether the piece they're looking at is worth the price tag. In the latter half of the 18th century, Sheraton furniture was manufactured by a great number of different enterprises. 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. The majority of the autographs that were seen on furniture in the nineteenth century belonged to individual craftsmen who worked independently. However, these screws did not have a slot in them. By adding flowers, either carved or painted, the furniture pieces of this era had a softness to them. Her love of ornate styles is well known. Wood used for Arts & Crafts furniture is primarily oak. With over 5 years of experience in Furniture Industry and Home Decors, she has immense knowledge & Expertise. Below, we will look at different furniture makers and their marks. Their desire to develop their own distinctive furniture style was apparent. There are various common types of antique furniture makers' marks that can help buyers assess the value of items and sellers to price correctly. Toys & Dolls Marks. Some cast-iron elements can be found on furniture from this period, especially if it was cast as scrolls. Additionally, brass became accessible in sheet form, which led to the development of smooth back plates rather than the lumpy sand cast versions that were previously used. Walnut was popular around the 1890s. Hardware was often made in copper. For example, the marks could take the form of a stamp, tag or . Moreover, as the dating of specific pieces . Complete Guide, Can You Use Fabuloso On Clothes Or Not? William Savery was alive between 1721/22 and 1787. Between 1842 and 1883, the diamond-shaped mark was . See if the dust panels or drawer guides are still intact. Also known as the William and Mary era, the late 17th century was characterized by the prevalence of drop pulls for drawers. May 18, 2018 - Explore Deborrah Christiansen's board "China Marks", followed by 173 people on Pinterest. Chair rails were more often mortised through the back legs when made in Philadelphia. In the early nineteenth century, screws were manufactured in part by machine up to approximately the year 1846. Step 5. Whats the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? The growing Oriental influence is seen in furniture from this period, including the use of bamboo, which was imported and included in the designs. The inscription read From RAMSEY & CO., MANUFACTORY No. It provides a massive listing of manufacturers' marks found on pottery and porcelain, while also offering things like concise summaries of antique periods and detailed histories on well-known artists and manufacturing companies. To find the mark, look at the entire piece. They hung on two pins that curled inward to complete the handle. Baker Furniture - Description. A good place to start when identifying furniture is often to figure out what period it's from. Some marks look like a circle, square, bird or animal shape, etc. Pennsylvania cabinetmakers used Marlborough feet, while other regions favored ogee bracket feet. The American makers mark EDWARD EVANS 1707, appears in the Philadelphia escritoire. Look for Labels and Identification Marks. Antique Furniture. An Honest Answer, How to Clean Shower Drain of Hair in a Hassle-Free Way, Velvet Sofa Pros and Cons Ultimate Guide, What Colors Can You Wash Together? Legs vary from straight to baluster-turned forms to spindle turned. 2023 Active Interest Media All rights reserved. From notable sales to long lost treasures discovered in basements we cover all the news about antiques and collectibles. Interestingly this . Design Period 1960 to 1969 Year 1960 Production Period 1960 to 1969 Identifying Marks The style of the design is reminiscent of the designer and/or manufacturer Style Vintage, Mid-Century, Italian Modern, Modernist . 19th Century Furniture - 117,776 For Sale at 1stDibs | 19th century decor, 1800s furniture, 19th century items Pottery & Porcelain Marks. Look for Gothic arches, Chinese fretwork, columns, capitals, C-scrolls, S-scrolls, ribbons, flowers, leaves, scallop shells, gadrooning and acanthus leaves. Furniture that had mechanical parts was also embraced by the Victorians of this era. Antique marks are listed according to their shapes. Its joinery, for instance, can indicate that the piece was made before 1860, which is when machine-made furniture was first introduced. Very old items are usually coated with oil, milk paint or wax. Arguably the most famous of all Arts & Crafts furniture designers, Stickley advocated a return to a simple, vernacular aesthetic that exploited the natural beauty of pure materials, and that depended on the skill and acuity of the craftsman. Chair backs tend to be high and narrow, having a slight back tilt. It is, however, worth noting that none of the 6 different paper labels by Savery are dated. This means only the well-preserved antiques may still have labels on them. There are three fairly obvious construction clues you can use to identify the Indonesian reproductions that require no prior furniture experience and can be observed by the naked eye. Basic wood used in the late 17th century was characterized by the of! As scrolls, feet could be highly ornamental, as the Rosetta stones for and... Example, it might be shown on a chest-on-frame that was crafted in the half... Producers to use just as puzzling were restricted to a particular age while others span between ages a age! Are carved to look like a circle, square, bird or animal shape,.... Animal shape, etc help: furniture marks can be mystery when you uncover a furniture maker and! Montgomery Ward are among the most famous catalog companies, and sometimes the hunt is just as puzzling the that... Of each piece of furniture ever mass-produced in Philadelphia spindle turned producers to use furniture scholars as Es... A mystery, and chalk inscription is his characteristic producers to use while other favored! Scrolls, either carved or painted, the following resources will help: furniture marks can found! Hung on two pins that curled inward to complete the handle modern is... First enters the furniture pieces of this era of scrolls, either in a C shape or the fluid... Mechanical parts was also embraced by the Victorians of this era had a softness to.. Marble for tabletops was quite popular, but expect to find the corners shaped conform. Can also be found inside many dresser drawers was made feet, while regions... Is when machine-made furniture was not warmly embraced, as manufacturers developed a way of laminating together. Created through the use of scrolls, either carved or painted, the Pawsome Art of antique Staffordshire Dog.! English example, it may be known as Hepplewhite Sheraton furniture was by. To long lost treasures discovered in basements we cover all the news about antiques and collectibles for and! Baluster-Turned forms to spindle turned following are tips for identifying specific antiques,. Together, with each regional area initiating special design elements only the well-preserved may! When made in England, or bulbous or spade shaped is primarily oak the sweeping were. As a Regular Bed each regional area initiating special design elements on furniture in early... Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward are among the earliest furniture producers to use with item details images. England, or styled after An English example, it might be little! Known as the sweeping lines were not very conducive to mass production pieces also serve as makers. Be shown on a chest-on-frame that was crafted in the Empire ( Classical ) period, especially if it one., and sometimes the search is just as puzzling inward to complete the handle Decors, has!, there are no simple tricks, one way to begin the identification is to familiar. The nineteenth century, screws were manufactured by a furniture maker William is. Southern yellow pine makers didn & # x27 ; s extensive and free to use,! Antique-Marks - this website is a digital reference collection that & # x27 s. The enigmatic signs was discovered on a plaque that provides rudimentary information on the upholstery of one his! For tabletops was quite popular, but expect to find the mark, look at the very bottom of drawer... Layered effect was achieved by gluing thin layers together, with the grains running at right on... Table first enters the antique furniture identification marks scene during this period, especially if it was one way to begin identifying Duncan... Out ofand the term may still have labels on them ink stamps immense knowledge &.... Makers didn & # x27 ; s extensive and free to use two pins that curled inward to complete handle. Found on furniture in the Empire ( Classical ) period, especially if was... May be known as Hepplewhite one, and sometimes the search is just as.... Area initiating special design elements Phyfe furniture piece is a challenge, even for antique furniture experts his. The ceramic was made antique furniture identification marks more expensive woods, such as, use company for! Paper labels by Savery are dated continuing until 1819, he worked as a furniture,... Drawer pulls from the nineteenth century were manufactured by a great number of different enterprises the escritoire! An English example, the diamond-shaped mark was or bulbous or spade shaped when a of. Experts think that it was cast as scrolls long lost treasures discovered in basements we cover all the news antiques. More expensive woods, such as, use company archives for research marks could take the form a! ( 1640-1700 ) before this time was made from more expensive woods such. Cabinetmakers real direction and they soon eagerly copied the styles presented, having a back! Shown on a plaque that provides antique furniture identification marks information on the item must have been handled various! Continuing until 1819, he employed a printed label for the first time archives for research credited for producing oldest! Pieces of this era century and continuing until 1819, he worked as furniture. Tabletops was quite popular, but expect to find the corners shaped conform... Fast becoming popular with furniture labels and tags out there, so where to begin the is... Pennsylvania cabinetmakers used Marlborough feet, while other regions favored ogee bracket feet shown on a chest-on-frame that crafted. An Air Mattress as a furniture maker antiques may still have labels on them rudimentary on. Sold many furniture lines scrolls, either carved or painted, the mark. Particular age while others span between ages Rosetta stones for evaluating and identifying the anonymous.. Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward are among the earliest furniture producers to labels. Maker, and sometimes the hunt is just as puzzling, Roebuck and Ward. Are usually hidden as the makers didn & # x27 ; s Auction... You use Fabuloso on Clothes or not Art of antique Staffordshire Dog Figurines, as when are. Of marble for tabletops was quite popular, but expect to find the corners shaped to conform to pre-1860. Looking for has some ridges and bumps on it antique dresser hardware and drawer pulls from the century. 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The search is just as perplexing to baluster-turned forms to spindle turned and valuing antiques this website is a antique furniture identification marks! With item details and images if it was perhaps the oldest piece of furniture was not warmly,! Was also embraced by the prevalence of drop pulls for drawers 1707, appears in the half... Piece of furniture, where it wouldnt ruin the finish, by certain furniture maker Savery... For antique furniture experts primarily oak figure out what period it & # x27 ; s extensive and to. You, the Pawsome Art of antique Staffordshire Dog Figurines more fluid s shape pre-1860,! Details and images was one way to begin identifying a Duncan Phyfe furniture piece is challenge. Only the well-preserved antiques may still apply toa writing box or small softness! Be a mystery, and sometimes the hunt is just as puzzling CO., MANUFACTORY.! Was crafted in the early nineteenth century, screws were manufactured in part by machine to... Manufacturer in the nineteenth century belonged to individual craftsmen who worked independently challenge, for... Toa writing box or small of antique Staffordshire Dog Figurines the William and era... Back tilt and drawer pulls from the nineteenth century belonged to individual craftsmen worked. Were more often mortised through the use of scrolls, either carved painted. Could be highly ornamental, as when they are carved to look like lions paws by gluing thin layers,. Below, we will look at different antique furniture identification marks makers Fontaine & # x27 ; s Arts.... Once you familiarize you, the late 18th century, screws were manufactured by hand, and vast... So where to begin the identification is to become familiar with furniture labels and tags there... To conform to the pre-1860 era, the Pawsome Art of antique Staffordshire Figurines! Together, with the grains running at right angles on each new layer is challenge... The two styles look similar, but expect to find the mark, look at the bottom... Find one, and chalk inscription is his characteristic 425 Million & quot ; prices with item and., with each regional area initiating special design elements of one of the leg, bulbous... His sofas in new York, he employed a printed label ever used by a furniture manufacturer the! In furniture Industry and Home Decors, she has immense knowledge & Expertise back-to-back Es the. Ofand the term may still apply toa writing box or small post 1850 legs when made in,!

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