How to tell if a piece of Chippendale furniture is old?
According to John Nye, known as the director of the American furniture department in Sotheby’s in New York, when reviewing a piece of Chippendale furnishing to conclude its age, collectors should look at the joints closely. Joints done by hand will have tiny irregularities and even may show sings of tool marks as well.
When did Thomas Chippendale start making his furniture?
The style grew strong from 1750-1780 in England and American colonies. Chippendale furniture was created within the Colonial design period and overlaps with design eras such as Queen Anne. Thomas Chippendale was born in the early 1700’s, however, little is known about the cabinet maker until 1748, when he married.
Why did Thomas Chippendale not use a maker’s Mark?
Thomas Chippendale did not use a maker’s mark, so verifying the item as being made by him or his craftsmen in England requires original documentation or a professional assessment. Most of Chippendale’s original pieces featured some irregularities because they were completely handmade.
What kind of legs did the Chippendales use?
Straight legs include the Marlborough, which is a plain square leg, and the spade, a tapered leg with a small four-sided foot. Late in the Chippendale period, another straight leg with a block foot appeared.
Is there such a thing as antique Chippendale furniture?
While these are antiques in their own right today, in comparison they do not have the finely crafted details found in early Chippendale style pieces, nor do they command the prices of true period furniture.
What to look for in a Chippendale wood?
Nevertheless, there are some telltale characteristics to look for when identifying Chippendale pieces including the woods incorporated, leg and foot styles, and other embellishments.
How to tell if a piece is Chippendale or Queen Anne?
Thus, you may find a piece that falls into the Chippendale category overall, but has a Queen Anne element or two as well. Nevertheless, there are some telltale characteristics to look for when identifying Chippendale pieces including the woods incorporated, leg and foot styles, and other embellishments.
How big are the scrolls at Chippendale furniture?
Two of the scrolls have been replaced, there some minor veneer cracking, and a couple of replacements. The overall size is a relatively modest 31 3/4 inches tall and 17 1/4 inches wide. Estimated at $500 to $800, the actual selling price in 2008 was $575 through Morphy Auctions.
