Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Recognizing Age and Construction in Antique Furniture
by Wayne MattoxEver play guitar with a broom? Or aim a flashlight as if it was a Star Wars blaster? It can be fun, even productive, to break out of our everyday routine and assume other roles. Golfing we become Tiger Woods. Driving 84, some people play the part of Rusty Wallace. Faced with a situation that calls for a cool head we can turn ourselves into James Bond or Grace Kelly. On your next antique expedition, you might try assuming the role of Sherlock Holmes.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created a sleuth who succeeded where others failed by employing systematic powers of observation and inference. Additionally, Holmes was a student of trivial facts pertinent to his work. Here's a few furniture tips that may prove useful to you.
You can often date a piece by studying nails and screws. Furniture predating 1790 will include "rose-head nails," that were hand-forged by blacksmiths. These nails can be identified by their irregular, rose-shaped heads. "Square-head nails," employed from 1790 to 1830, were machine cut and finished off by a blacksmith who squared the heads. From 1830 to 1890 cabinetmakers used headless "machine-cut nails, that are tapered and rectilinear in shape. Modern "brad" and "penny" nails were introduced around 1890. Screws were occasionally used in furniture pre-dating the beginning of the machine era (Circa 1830). Blacksmith forged examples can be identified by inspecting for thin and slightly off-centered slots and off-round heads.
The "circular saw" invented in the 18th century, did not come into wide usage until after 1830. Thus, boards displaying "circular saw marks" will not be found on furniture pre-dating the "Empire Period" (1830-1850). Unfinished pre-1830 boards cut from vertical motion "ripsaws" will often display small, somewhat parallel, saw lines.
Before the introduction of power driven woodworking machinery in the mid 19th century, lumber was worked by hand. After hand-sawing, cabinet makers dressed their boards with a jack plane and draw knives. On authentic furnishings pre-dating the "Victorian Period," (1850-1910) unfinished non-visible "secondary" surfaces like backboards and drawer bottoms will show evidence of "hand-planing" by feeling for subtle undulating rows in the wood.
Small wooden pins known as dowels can be helpful in authenticating age. Machine era pins will be perfectly circular and flush to the surface. Antique dowels are non-round and will protrude slightly from the surface because of shrinkage in the wood they are securing.
Wood shrinks in a direction opposite the grain. The degree is determined by softness of the lumber, age, and environment. Therefore, authentic antique furniture can be discerned by inspecting for evidence of: gapping between boards, shrinkage cracking, buckling veneer, protruding pegs and breadboard ends, and legs extending slightly beyond the frame or "skirt." Early circular tabletops will measure somewhat oval, 1/8" to 1/2" longer in the direction of the grain.
Outline and thickness on early hand-wrought iron and brass hinges will be non-uniform.
The top rail on early 19th century chairs will be joined with non-round tenons that can be viewed by slightly pulling the yoke from the stile. Circular dowels are evidence of "non-period" chairs.
Visible surface planks (primary wood) on genuine antique furniture will be wide, varying in thickness, and relatively free of blemishes. Knotty pine was not employed by olden day cabinetmakers.
Although it has been stripped and refinished back to the original wood, much old-time non-mahogany furniture was originally painted. Analysis of wood pores and fissures with a jeweler's loop will often show several layers of paint residue. This "paint history" can help authentic a piece and determine whether individual components-the feet, the top, etc.-are original or undesirable replacements.
Role-playing, especially with a creative friend, can be fun and profitable. I look forward to exchanging greetings you into you and your "Dr. Watson" at some future antique affair.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mirrors Antiques
Description
Mirror in Kilim frame hand-decorated by an old hippie with bone, teeth, heishi beads and tassels. The kilim was originally a rug in poor condition so the best pieces were used for mirrors, seat coverings and other miscellaneous furniture. This mirror is about 25 years old.
Mirror in Kilim frame hand-decorated by an old hippie with bone, teeth, heishi beads and tassels. The kilim was originally a rug in poor condition so the best pieces were used for mirrors, seat coverings and other miscellaneous furniture. This mirror is about 25 years old.
Description
Mirror with frame made from an antique Kilim rug. This mirror is extremely heavy and has a hidden light (see image below).
Mirror with frame made from an antique Kilim rug. This mirror is extremely heavy and has a hidden light (see image below).
Description
Mirror with frame made from an antique Kilim rug. This mirror is extremely heavy and has a hidden light (see image below).
Mirror with frame made from an antique Kilim rug. This mirror is extremely heavy and has a hidden light (see image below).
Description
Antique French ornate gilt mirror in fantastic original condition. France circa 1890
Antique French ornate gilt mirror in fantastic original condition. France circa 1890
Description
Breathtaking antique French faux-bois mirror with all the original glass and decorated with bird, leaves, and grapes, all in untouched original condition. The hand-carved details are extremely realistic, you have to touch it to beieve it. Mirrors such as this are few and far between. France circa 1850
Breathtaking antique French faux-bois mirror with all the original glass and decorated with bird, leaves, and grapes, all in untouched original condition. The hand-carved details are extremely realistic, you have to touch it to beieve it. Mirrors such as this are few and far between. France circa 1850
Description
Hand-carved antique French mirror in gilded gesso over wood frame with wonderful patina throughout. The soot marks still remain from the many years it most certainly stood over a coal burning fireplace and we chose to leave it this way. The condition is excellent; there has been some minor restoration and there is a leaf missing from the pediment. France circa 1920
Hand-carved antique French mirror in gilded gesso over wood frame with wonderful patina throughout. The soot marks still remain from the many years it most certainly stood over a coal burning fireplace and we chose to leave it this way. The condition is excellent; there has been some minor restoration and there is a leaf missing from the pediment. France circa 1920
Decorative Arts Antiques , Confit Pots , Glass
Description
Antique French confit pots with vibrant honey, green and rich brown colors, the patina of which can only evolve from the passage of time, the hot provencial sun and Mother Nature; this look cannot be duplicated by man. These Confit Pots were originally used as utilitarian pieces in country homes and on farms, burying them in the ground for the storage of duck confit and other foods, keeping them cool and fresh throughout the summer. Today, they are treasured accent pieces, displayed to add the charm and character of times gone by. These pots can instantly transform any space creating the ambiance of sun drenched Provence. All these pots are in original condition and vary in price from $350.00 to $850.00. We will be happy to send photos of the pots that meet your size and budget requirements. France circa 1870-1900
Antique French confit pots with vibrant honey, green and rich brown colors, the patina of which can only evolve from the passage of time, the hot provencial sun and Mother Nature; this look cannot be duplicated by man. These Confit Pots were originally used as utilitarian pieces in country homes and on farms, burying them in the ground for the storage of duck confit and other foods, keeping them cool and fresh throughout the summer. Today, they are treasured accent pieces, displayed to add the charm and character of times gone by. These pots can instantly transform any space creating the ambiance of sun drenched Provence. All these pots are in original condition and vary in price from $350.00 to $850.00. We will be happy to send photos of the pots that meet your size and budget requirements. France circa 1870-1900
Description
Antique French Baccarat lady's perfume set, in fantastic original condition. These bottles are absolutely stunning in person, its a shame they aren't more photogenic.
Description
Fabulous collection of vintage green glazed pottery from France (mostly Biot) and the USA. Comprising mainly signed pieces in all sorts of shapes and sizes, this collection definitely makes a statement. Bold green colored pottery has a charm all its own, whether you are decorating a home kitchen, or even a restaurant, this collection is spectacular.
Fabulous collection of vintage green glazed pottery from France (mostly Biot) and the USA. Comprising mainly signed pieces in all sorts of shapes and sizes, this collection definitely makes a statement. Bold green colored pottery has a charm all its own, whether you are decorating a home kitchen, or even a restaurant, this collection is spectacular.
Description
Antique Parian ware "Portland" jug attributed to the S. Alcock Company. The design is based on the Portland vase in the British Museum
Antique Parian ware "Portland" jug attributed to the S. Alcock Company. The design is based on the Portland vase in the British Museum
Tapestries antiques
Description
This wool and silk tapestry was woven in France in the 1600s and is documented. It has its original floral border and beautiful verdure and classical motifs. Completely handmade and all authentic. Needs minor restoration.
This wool and silk tapestry was woven in France in the 1600s and is documented. It has its original floral border and beautiful verdure and classical motifs. Completely handmade and all authentic. Needs minor restoration.
Description
Beautiful antique French hand-made needlepoint tapestry that has been cleaned, blocked and restored where necessary. The colors are still vibrant with very little fading. France circa 1850
Description
Beautiful vintage Belgian tapestry depicting life in a much earlier time. This tapestry is thickly woven and is backed with a wonderful fabric that self-frames the piece. Belgium circa 1920
Beautiful vintage Belgian tapestry depicting life in a much earlier time. This tapestry is thickly woven and is backed with a wonderful fabric that self-frames the piece. Belgium circa 1920
Description
Beautiful antique hand made tapestry with wonderful colors depicting forestry scene. France, circa 1850
Beautiful antique hand made tapestry with wonderful colors depicting forestry scene. France, circa 1850
Description
Exquisite set of two hand made Aubusson tapestry panels in near mint condition. Dimensions above are for one panel, two pairs available. Price shown is for ONE pair. They have been professionally cleaned. France circa 1820
Exquisite set of two hand made Aubusson tapestry panels in near mint condition. Dimensions above are for one panel, two pairs available. Price shown is for ONE pair. They have been professionally cleaned. France circa 1820
Description
Authentic handmade French Aubusson tapestry in unbelievable original condition, and judging by the brightness of the colors, it must never have seen the light of day. There are no moth holes or repairs. France circa 1840
Authentic handmade French Aubusson tapestry in unbelievable original condition, and judging by the brightness of the colors, it must never have seen the light of day. There are no moth holes or repairs. France circa 1840
Rugs Antiques
Description
Vintage koton rug from Samarkand, Uzbekistan in original condition with no repairs, circa 1915
Vintage koton rug from Samarkand, Uzbekistan in original condition with no repairs, circa 1915
Description
Malayer is located in the northwestern Iranian province of Hamadan. Malayer rugs tend to be mainly geometric in design, making a wonderful addition to any decorating style. This beautiful rug, which dates back to the early 19th century, has a cotton foundation and wool pile and is in excellent condition.
Description
Art Deco rug in excellent condition with a stunning plain navy blue background. This rug is hand-knotted wool on cotton backing, China, circa 1920.
Art Deco rug in excellent condition with a stunning plain navy blue background. This rug is hand-knotted wool on cotton backing, China, circa 1920.
Description
Vintage American horsehair blanket in mint condtion. American circa 1910
Vintage American horsehair blanket in mint condtion. American circa 1910
Description
Car blanket depicting dogs with glass eyes, fair condition. American circa 1900
Car blanket depicting dogs with glass eyes, fair condition. American circa 1900
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