Furniture
Examine the method of construction to determine antiquity in antique furniture. Nails were hand cut and irregular until 1790, arc shaped saw marks in obscure areas denotes late manufacture as the circular saw was not introduced until the early 19th century. Dovetail joints are an indication of antiquity; this method was used in antique furniture beginning in the late 17th century. Patina, wear, hardware, and stylistic uniformity are other factors to be considered when determining the authenticity of antique furniture.
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Bars & RecreationJoinery used in furniture construction in the 15th and 16th centuries was accomplished without the aid of mastics, which allowed the lumber a certain amount of movement. Furniture set with mastics into a rigid frame will split when exposed to dry atmospheric conditions when the wood contracts.
Beds & ChestsThe Dower Chest, predecessor of the Hope Chest, was designed to serve a romantic as well as functional purpose. Carefully constructed and lavishly decorated, Dower chests were generally three to four feet long, and situated in the maiden's bedroom. As the maiden learned to sew, linens and laces were carefully stored in anticipation of her wedding day.
Chairs & SeatingCharacterized by modest curves and cabriole legs, Queen Anne style of furnishings came into popularity in the early 1700s, and remained fashionable until the mid 1700s. There are five factors that determine authenticity in a Queen Anne style chair; a curved top, the splat rests on the rear, there may or may not be stretchers between the legs, the front legs are cabriole and the front feet are Dutch, club, or ball and claw.
Coat Racks & StandsVictorian furniture appeared in the 1830s and remained popular until approximately 1900, it is the latest period to be recognized as legitimate collectors items. Several types of Victorian furniture have been acknowledged, the most prominent being Eastlake, Gothic, Renaissance, and rococo. Highly decorative, the Victorian furniture maker was more concerned with form than function. Intricacies of design appeared with the jigsaw and traditional craftsmanship nearly ceased with the advent of mass production.
Cupboards & CabinetryEmpire Furniture was produced in France from the early to the mid 1800s. Manufactured with appearance rather than comfort in mind, the style created with Greek, and Roman motifs were rich in gold set into the ormolu mountings used on the furniture. The woods were stained black and the fabric colors were dark and muted.
Desks & SecretariesIn the 15th century most writing desks were generally composed of oak and walnut. In the early 16th century, exotic woods became available through San Domingo, and desks became a canvas to display the craftsman's veneering skills. The highly decorative styles that evolved are more susceptible to deterioration because of the veneers susceptibility to atmospheric conditions.
Paneling During the Elizabethan period, diverse carved motifs were employed in the construction of wood paneling and paneled rooms. The popularity of this flamboyant style diminished, becoming passé by the early 17th century. Applied decorations became fashionable on the European Continent, and in the North of England during the Renaissance when entire rooms were often paneled in elaborate pictorial mosaics of various exotic woods.
Sets & CombinationsRegarding furniture restoration, the general rule is to do the minimum. If restoration is necessary, the traditional techniques, joinery, and finishes should be practiced to ensure that the history of the item is preserved.
Stools & BenchesAvailable materials, craftsman skill, technology mastered and the ultimate proprietor can be determined by examining a piece of antiquated furniture. The natural aging process of wood furniture contributes to its appeal, producing a patina that can only be the result of time.
Tables & PedestalsTables are highly functional furnishings that inevitably show the signs of daily use. The principal difference between table styles can be determined by the manner of support. The development of joining techniques expanded the possibilities for decorative features, but there has been a general correlation between complexity of design and inherent strength of the table.
