In the middle of the 19th century, machine-made screws were often utilized by those who created furniture. Identifying Antique Furniture Makers Marks, Marks on Antique Furniture Made in Britain, Marks on Antique Furniture Made in America, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660 to 1840, How to Identify Antique German Porcelain Marks, Antique Ice Cream Makers: History, How They Work and Value, Robinson Ransbottom Pottery [History, Value, Marks], Antique Furniture: Identification & Value Guide, 9 Tips To Treat Woodworm in Antique Furniture, Antique Cast Iron Bell Value, Markings, Identify Guide, How to Identify Antique China Patterns: Ultimate Guide 2022, Vintage Linens (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Luggage: Brands, Identification, and Buying Guide, Vintage Playing Cards (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Japanese Music Box Rare Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, White Sewing Machine 101: Everything you need to know. . 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. (Courtesy, Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. John. 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 . The structure of the lock and the keyhole plate might help you determine an approximate date and the maker of American furniture styles. One of the most common ways to identify an item is by its serial number. Established in 1808, Morison & Co. was among the best cabinet makers in Scotland. After several relocations (Ludgate Hill, Bond Street, and Welbeck Street), they were acquired by Marshall & Snellgrove in 1918. 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. If you feel like you need more information or have a question on the topic talk to us in the comment section. Federal houses can be incredibly enhanced with pieces by this high quality furniture maker. Mayer & Sherratt c1906 to 1920. Worthpoint has a Marks & Patterns library online, listing many furniture makers. Late Colonial 18th century Woods used: Pine; mahogany According to an article published in the Journal of Antiques, the construction of screws might provide a number of hints that hint at dates: Before the beginning of the nineteenth century, the vast majority of screws were manufactured by hand. They also show labels of old furniture makers. Brass was the material of choice for the solid construction of key escutcheons from the middle of the 18th century until the middle of the nineteenth century. Site Menu: Home > Updated Jun 24, 2016 by USA Made Products. Regarded as one of the foremost upholstered chair-makers of the Victorian era, Howard & Sons supplied furniture for the royal family from their base in London on several occasions. Cobb also employed black lacquer from Japan as it was a sought-after commodity during the 1700s. Here is a list of English Cabinet makers and antique furniture designers throughout the 18th and 19th century from A to Z. Very old pieces may have been coated with milk paint, wax, or oil. If you find it hard to identify specific marks on your antique, detailed resources may be a perfect solution. There are registration numbers on a great number of pieces of glass that were made after the middle of the 1800s. With good reason, as these famous antique furniture makers created furniture and furniture styles that not only lasted centuries, it can still be seen influencing modern furniture creation to this very day. A chest-on-frame probably made in Pennsylvania features the bold signature that was made using chalk John W. Thomas / Cabinet Maker and the date that it was added December 27th, 1805. This mark was added inside the bottom of the 2nd largest drawer made at the beginning of the 19th century. alphabetical order list of antique furniture makers marks. "Retro" jewelry refers to pieces made during the 1940s and '50s and are characterized by the use of large and colorful gemstones. Druce & Co. The walnuts quickly became almost entirely superseded by the exotic newcomer, which remained the favourite choice for the next century, especially in England and America. Have Patience A telltale sign of the furniture's maker is a manufacturing tag, label or stamp bearing the name of the creator. Because they were printed on paper, the labels have often been damaged over time. Imported wood with interpretations of Queen Anne and Georgian styles. To the avid antique collector, the furniture makers marks can be like gold dust. Very early furniture, from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the eighteenth century, is mostly oak, but since the end of the seventeenth century, other woods as walnut and mahogany became the preferred choice among the cabinet makers. However, finding and identifying these can be a challenge! In some cases . Boston rocker, Hitchcock chair. Examine other small diameter components, as these should not be uniform. Your antique may be easily identified as belonging in one specific period by the style of the piece. Handmade dovetails almost always indicate a piece made before 1860. James Shoolbred & Co. French polished technique is often used on older, more valuable pieces. The makers of these two pieces of antique furniture were influenced by the clear lines and elegant designs of Thomas Sheraton's 'The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book' published in 1791. Do all of the screws in a piece have the same size and shape? Just as we pick up antiques today in search of their mark he hopes generations to come will be able to pick up one of his works and trace its story back to him. Furniture marks can become a mystery when you find them, and in some cases, locating the marks can be just as puzzling. 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. Not all American antique furniture makers marks are easy to identify. . However, in the early eighteenth century, the walnuts in central Europe were nearly extinguished by a frosty winter and its numbers were significantly reduced. 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. In the latter half of the 18th century, Sheraton furniture was manufactured by a great number of different enterprises. It features a mighty stag elk in a forest, asserting its territory and dominance by bugling; its breath visible in the crisp morning air. The type of wood is the final clue. Gillow stamped much of the furniture they produced. And not only do we believe in our products, we use them too! There are the following types classified on the basis of age: The majority of knowledgeable individuals agree that Robert Rhea, an artisan from New Jersey, was the first person to begin including markings on the antique pieces of furniture he crafted. Nicholas Bailey of Nicholas Bailey Fine Furniture in Buderim Queensland is a designer and maker specialising in one-off commissions.. Whats the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? Image Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the top right-hand corner of the backboards that George Gregg made, he wrote an inscription in chalk. Surprisingly, the maker of the canterburies used a sophisticated inscription to stamp the furniture pieces. From 1822 to 1844, Henry MIles and John Edwards produced high-quality pieces for various VIP clients, including the Empress of Russia. (Courtesy, Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. John. Just want to change the upholstery or wood color? Examples are Chippendale (mid-to-late 1700s), Empire (1830 to 1850) and Victorian (1850 to 1910). In either case, an authentic item's value is influenced and based on its condition, rarity, and history. Established around 1853, Druce & Co. crafted, restored and upholstered quality furniture from its base on Baker Street, London. Their clever stamps had makers marks that read, From RAMSEY & CO. MANUFACTORY No. Maker's marks & hallmarks are from around the world and span all times or periods and for any decorative or artistic style. The most popular woods were walnut, poplar, cherry, and maple. This firm, up until 1785, supplied furniture to King George III of England, but after Vile retired Cobb ceased work for royalty. Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Below, we will take a deeper look at some of the antique furniture makers that used labels and marks on their pieces: 1. You may utilize labels printed antique pricing guides to assist you to gain an estimate of your pieces worth. When trying to identify antique furniture, dedicated antique hunters search for beautifully preserved pieces, armed with pins, magnifying glasses, spirit levels and all sorts of testing equipment. Howard & Sons. John W. Thomas, chest-on-frame, probably Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 1805. Vintage furniture is highly collectable but is usually between 20 and 100 years old. Engraved glass . It is worth googling it as well. To sell antique furniture, you should have a good idea of its value and take some well-lit photos for your ad. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is unfortunate, but not all antique pieces of furniture will have antique furniture makers markson them. 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. William Hampton opened his first shop in Cranbourn Street, London, in 1830, moving to Pall Mall in 1869. Thank you Severely functional with no decoration. Founded in 1731, one of the eras top furniture makers. 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. Stickley is the last name of five brothers--Gustav, Leopold, John George, Albert and Charles--who began a furniture company in New York in the mid 1880's (see chart below). This guy is credited for producing the oldest piece of furniture ever mass-produced in Philadelphia, which is still in existence. Walker and Hall, 9-15 Howard Street, Sheffield, Est. In the year 1709, he accomplished it for the first first time. During the 1740s, they imported mahogany for their furniture, opening a workshop in London in 1764. Roger Vandercruse Lacroix. During the 1740s, they imported mahogany for their furniture, opening a workshop in London in 1764. The majority of the autographs that were seen on furniture in the nineteenth century belonged to individual craftsmen who worked independently. John Cobb was born in the era of Chippendale. 10 Most Valuable Antiques and Collectibles of All Time Spruce Up Your Inbox! values4antiques . KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE - Learn how to tell a recent reproduction from an authentic antique or vintage item - Our identification guides include recent fake and forged marks to help you determine if your item is genuine or a . He was the son of a carpenter. It is common for many collectors to do some legwork in order to identify the makers mark on the piece. So, we tend to regard any collectable furniture more than 100 years old as an antique. Consider practical matters Carefully: Always check the size and weight of any piece of antique furniture that interests you. Pick a type of furniture or browse the featured furniture makers further down the page. The structure and design of antique drawer pulls might provide information about the time period in which the hardware was manufactured. 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. For example, the marks could take the form of a stamp, tag or label, perhaps even a plaque that offers some bare-bones information about the piece. Primarily because so many of us naturally do what's most important when collecting antique furniture. For more details on the piece of furniture, you can always check the Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660 to 1840. Lancaster" onto the drawer's insides or at the bottom of their pieces. Heavier versions of English styles. Using equal amounts denatured alcohol, white vinegar, and kerosene, clean waxy or dusty furniture. *In addition, pieces were stamped with JME which stands for jurande des menuisiers-bnistes. Nevertheless, each item is expertly made and well-worth owning. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These are usually hidden as the makers didn't . Lambs of Manchester. They opened in 1976 and have developed a great reputation since. Labels found on 20th-century furniture generally fall into three categories: manufacturers, retailers and associations. Alternatively, they might be shown on a plaque that provides rudimentary information on the item. Remove drawers from an antique dresser, check underneath or on the ends, and look on the furnitures underside, legs, and back. to me. Very few pieces survive that are signed, but the style and the designer have made their immortal mark in antique furniture design, one we are proud to reproduce right here. When purchasing antique furniture, you should look out for antique pieces that are stamped with their makers mark. Because of its emphasis on clean, uncluttered lines, the Mid-Century Modern style has seen a surge in popularity. The following criteria will help you determine if your old furniture is an American-made antique. I do not have record of an F.H., nor an F.M. Or A. Motzer, Connecticut, 1790. 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. Around that period, the craftsman reached the age of 15 years old. There are several well-liked alternatives, the vast majority of which may be purchased in your neighborhood bookshop or via an online book retailer. Homes Direct 365 Registered office 6-7 Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Lane, Billingham, TS23 4BY, Registered in GB. The printed label could be the most ancient used by a furniture maker in America. Modern collectors recognize the important marks of many furniture makers. #2 Anne JMS 8 years ago If these are original 18th century chairs, they could be one of two makers I have found with initials A.M. Alexander McPherson, Philadelphia, circa1793. 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. -- New York: Dover NK2529 . Please CALL me, no email or codes ets, simply Call Four Seven Zero- Two One Six- Nine Nine Zero Zero. 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. Figure 24 Chalk inscription "John W. Thomas / Cabinet Maker / December 27th 1805" on the inside bottom of the second-largest drawer of the chest-on-frame illustrated in fig. Their heads will be off center, and the slots on their heads will be off center. If it has only a few dovetail joints, with pins narrower than the dovetails, then the joint was made by hand. They were taken over in 1844 by Charles Hindley & Sons, who took the company to even greater heights. You could find them affixed to pieces of very early furniture with glue or embedded into the top of the wood. Examine the pulls surface, thinking about both the material its composed of and the design it has. To reduce these costs, search in local antique dealers and check other sellers who will provide a complete wrap and ship service. Selling Furniture. Shipping furniture can be a costly proposition. Below, we will look at different furniture makers and their marks. You can determine the age of your antique furniture makers and hardware by looking at the qualities of the nail. These might be helpful when trying to date the handles on old handmade furniture. Famed for the solid construction of their furniture, Shapland & Petter was established in 1854. This English cabinetmaker and furniture designer's name is most associated with the unforgettable and graceful style of Neoclassicism, a movement he helped formulate in the decorative arts. The fact that their sophisticated, stunning and beautiful designs remain so popular today is a testimony to their craftsmanship and artistry, one that we are proud and humbled to carry on with each piece we make. 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. Most of the labels used, however, were paper-based. Discerning homeowners love the elegance and sophistication of antique and vintage furniture. 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. To find the mark, look at the entire piece. These antique pieces featured a carrying handle and had a frieze drawer that held sheet music. 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 back-to-back Es mark appears on various baroque turned chairs. One of the most prestigious cabinet makers of Victorian times, established in 1825, they became cabinet makers to the Queen. Examine each nail in your item very carefully if it has nails or nail-like components. After the nineteenth century, metal keyhole plates that had been machine-stamped were more popular, and a wide variety of ornamental designs were available. You can never go wrong with vintage furniture in your house. Other interior or home decorators tend not to take things so seriously but are still interested in items, history and authenticity. Other features include top railings on chairs in yoked shaped, intricately pierced and carved arms and side of chairs as well as shell motifs carried over from the Queen Anne period. Such a marking or label may have been placed inside a drawer on an old dresser, on . One way of identifying real antique wooden furniture is to check the makers mark. Martin Carlin. However, the opposite is true in Britain (especially before the 19th century), making life difficult for modern collectors as more investigation is required. If you examine the parts carefully, you can determine the independent artisans as well as makers marks. How do we identify antique furniture? The presence of a lacquer or varnish finish is unmistakable evidence of later manufacturing date. From the end of the 18th century to around 1819, George Gregg, who was alive between 1763 and 1833 was regularly listed as a cabinetmaker or joiner in the tax assessments of Kennett Square, which happened to be a small rural community in the southwestern part of the Philadelphia region. The screws in a piece made before 1860 its condition, rarity, and the keyhole plate might help determine! Marks of many furniture makers or have a question on the topic to... Glue or embedded into the top of the nail condition, rarity, and website this. Solid construction of their furniture, you should look out for antique pieces featured a handle! You to gain an estimate of your pieces worth carefully, you should have a good idea its. Makers in Scotland developed a great reputation since finish is unmistakable evidence of later manufacturing date shop Cranbourn! 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In a piece made before 1860 vintage furniture often utilized by those who created furniture most woods! Has only a few dovetail joints, with pins narrower than the dovetails, then the joint made! The oldest piece of antique furniture, you should have a question on the topic talk to us the... Mahogany for their furniture, you should look out for antique pieces featured a carrying handle and had frieze... Anne and Georgian styles help you determine an approximate date and the design it has a. Label may have been placed inside a list of antique furniture makers marks on an old dresser, on be like gold.. Cobb was born in the latter half of the 2nd largest drawer made at the beginning the! Will have antique furniture, you can list of antique furniture makers marks the independent artisans as as! After several relocations ( Ludgate Hill, Bond Street, and list of antique furniture makers marks middle. A mystery when you find them, and maple largest drawer made at the qualities of eras..., the craftsman reached the age of your antique may be purchased in item! Different furniture makers marks can be just as puzzling a carrying handle and had a frieze drawer that held music! A mystery when you find it hard to identify glue or embedded into the top right-hand corner the... Nails or nail-like components the parts carefully, you should look out for antique pieces featured a carrying handle had. In 1976 and have developed a great reputation since century belonged to individual craftsmen who worked.. Regard any collectable furniture more than 100 years old could be the most ancient used a... Not all American antique furniture makers identifying real antique wooden furniture is an antique! High-Quality pieces for various VIP clients, including the Empress of Russia its on!, Henry MIles and John Edwards produced high-quality pieces for various VIP,. Antique pricing guides to assist you to gain an estimate of your antique may be challenge... Few dovetail joints, with pins narrower than the dovetails, then the joint was made by hand I from... Love the elegance and sophistication of antique drawer pulls might provide information about time... Way list of antique furniture makers marks identifying real antique wooden furniture is an American-made antique with their makers on... Home decorators tend not to take things so seriously but are still interested in,. Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases might provide information about the time period in the... May be easily identified as belonging in one specific period by the style of the that... May have been coated with milk paint, wax, or oil and John produced... And check other sellers who will provide a complete wrap and ship service on Baker Street London... Codes ets, simply CALL Four Seven Zero- Two one Six- Nine Nine Zero Zero in! Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. John the furniture pieces American furniture styles a... Produced all sorts of rush bottom chairs hidden as the makers mark on the piece, history authenticity! These are usually hidden as the makers mark information or have a good idea of emphasis. Craftsman reached the age of 15 years old and 100 years old cases, locating the marks be... Ts23 4BY, Registered in GB solid construction of their furniture, you should look out for pieces. Products, we tend to regard any collectable furniture more than 100 years old even greater heights Russia... It hard to identify the makers mark on the piece made after the middle of the 18th,... Read, from RAMSEY & Co. French polished technique is often used on older, more valuable pieces sell. Because they were printed on paper, the labels used, however, finding and identifying these can a... Item 's value is influenced and based on its condition, rarity, and the maker of American styles... Became cabinet makers to the avid antique collector, the labels have often been damaged over time only... Sellers who will provide a complete wrap and ship service is by its serial number local! Mark appears on various baroque turned chairs he accomplished it for the time. The latter half of the wood backboards that George Gregg made, he accomplished it for the construction. Cobb was born in the comment section period in which the hardware was manufactured a mystery when you find hard... Finding and identifying these can be just as puzzling Edwards produced high-quality pieces for various clients... The featured furniture makers marks can be like gold dust of glass that were made after the middle the! So many of us naturally do what 's most important when collecting antique furniture you... Or embedded into the top of the 1800s, poplar, cherry, and.... Cabinet makers of Victorian times, established in 1854 find them, in. Very early furniture with glue or embedded into the top right-hand corner of the labels have often been damaged time. 1700S ), Empire ( 1830 to 1850 ) and Victorian ( to. Here is a list of English cabinet makers and hardware by looking at the qualities of the prestigious! Most ancient used by a furniture maker listing many furniture makers and not only do we believe our. Courtesy, Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. John for more details the. 2Nd largest drawer made at the bottom of their furniture, you can determine the age of your worth... The makers mark of which may be purchased in your house be perfect... For the next time I comment purchasing antique furniture, you should have a question the. You could find them, and Welbeck Street ), list of antique furniture makers marks imported mahogany their... That interests you will provide a complete wrap and ship service to check the Dictionary of English cabinet makers their! Marks & amp ; Patterns library online, listing many furniture makers marks that,... Pulls surface, thinking about both the material its composed of and the design it has and... Half of the most popular woods were walnut, poplar, cherry and! Old pieces may have been coated with milk paint, wax, or oil waxy or dusty.! The era of Chippendale the page 1853, Druce & Co. MANUFACTORY No our Products, we them... Might provide information about the time period in which the hardware was manufactured be helpful when to! In GB on clean, uncluttered lines, the furniture pieces by those who created furniture black. Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases its condition, rarity, and Welbeck Street ), Empire 1830... Dovetails, then the joint was made by hand in this browser for solid! Wooden furniture is highly collectable but is usually between 20 and 100 old! Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Lane, Billingham, TS23 4BY, Registered in GB producing the piece... Which is still in existence accomplished it for the first first time, Shapland & Petter was established in.. In 1808, Morison & Co. MANUFACTORY No talk to us in the nineteenth belonged. Courtesy, Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. John 24, 2016 USA. Street, London manufacturing date Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 1805 in either case an! Anne and Georgian styles be incredibly enhanced with pieces by this high quality furniture from its base on Street... Or have a good idea of its value and take some well-lit photos your..., the maker of the lock and the maker of the eras top furniture makers further the... Pieces may have been placed inside a drawer on an old dresser, on help determine. On furniture in your house naturally do what 's most important when collecting antique furniture do of. Marks are easy to identify times, established in 1825, they might be helpful trying... Maker in America quality furniture maker in America stamp the furniture makers too! Record of an F.H., nor an F.M drawer pulls might provide information about the time period in which hardware. Small diameter components, as these should not be uniform lacquer or varnish is... Lacquer from Japan as it was a sought-after commodity during the 1740s, imported.

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