Many modern pieces of furniture use laminate or wood veneer to achieve the same effect. most likely a mahogany stain on birch, beech, or other light wood. © 2021 Active Interest Media All rights reserved. Over the years, it manufactured millions of tables and other items. Different Antique Furniture Terminology From A to Z. © 2006-2021 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted. The number on the bottom is just an inventory for the factory where it was made. George C. Flint was a mid-19th-century cabinetmaker whose business was acquired by R.J. Horner around the turn of the 20th century. Below are some examples of different carving used on antique furniture. The inclusion of “carpet” is a dead giveaway. In the East, an antique is Queen Anne or earlier; in the West, it's any piece of furniture that came across the mountains in a wagon. She picks the furniture because dogs experience things with their mouths, seeing as how they have no hands. They have always called it a Duncan Five (not sure what this means or if I even spelled it correctly). The mhg means mahogany. The following resources will help: Furniture marks can be mystery when you find one, and sometimes the search is just as puzzling. Without proper labeling, it was easy to confuse the consumer. There is a stamp on the back that reads: COPYWRITE THOMASVILLE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES< INC. 1965. I now have her antique furniture. Mersman was a popular furniture manufacturing company for more than a century. When an antique dealer uploads an item for display on Sellingantiques they are requested to make a formal declaration as to the date of its manufacture. Antique Expert: furniture-man, Restorer replied 8 years ago. You may find only the shadow of a paper label which peeled off long ago or a metal tag which was painted over. cant tell if the wood is mahogany, probably not. 07-12-2013. Below is a list of terminology very often used in antique furniture in alphabetical order. that are put into a house or other building…. because be5ides those pleasant, the most recent simulation should develop fit towards thy … Do a thorough search for labels or stamps. Letters and numbers are your best friends when it comes to antique furniture. number will be a pattern number, style number, or some other proprietary number known only to the manufacturer. Frequently one finds that sellers guess-timate the age of a piece to show the item in its most favorable light.Weekend collectors--in a post-brunch glow and accompanied by a charming companion--are all too ready to hear the best of an object that has attracted … I have a hand carved cane back and sides, sofa, chair and rocker set. How to Identify an Antique Dresser by Its Signature. Beginning around mid-century, the advent of the factory system meant most furniture was made in a commercial facility under the auspices of a company name, and very few individual craftsmen labeled their product. There are also numbers 765-7 29824092, 0-756-2, 765-12 and 765-440 DECK. Throughout history, several distinctive styles of architecture, literature, fashion, and other artistic trends have often been associated with and identified by the name of an individual who ruled during that period. The use of the word “manufacturing” in the company name was unambiguous about what the company did. Often times when you do arrive at antique store, you will see items that are only 50 to 60 years old. The wear and tear of a piece of furniture also helps to tell its … There are primarily two categories of antique tables: accent tables and dining tables.The following list includes the most common types of antique tables that you are likely to encounter in the collectibles world. Finding a label on a piece of furniture now means that the collector has to know what kind of label it is to decipher its meaning. Chinese antique furniture is often made with elm, a wood common to many regions in Asia. Sometimes, manufacturers made a specially designed line of items exclusive to Sears, but the mark on the furniture was always from Sears. This was also a common practice in the piano industry. All Rights Reserved. In fact, some items can be dated by the address on the label, since his shops constantly expanded and the streets were renamed. Antique Furniture is one of the most fascinating sections of antique collecting. Manufacturers actually produced the furniture from a design to a finished product. How a piece is constructed is a common measure of age. What do Rd.Numbers mean? Most authentic antiques, from pottery to furniture, have distinctive marks engraved or stamped on them to identify their manufacturer. The correct definition of antique furniture is that it is made at least one hundred years before it is purchased. I am trying to find the style of this dining room set and the value. A: Fred Macey sold mail-order furniture beginning in 1892. Carved monopodium is a carved support with a lion head and claw feet. Photo courtesy Fred Taylor. There are various styles, famous makers, and a number of confusing terms that you need to know. Consult antique furniture guides to compare photographs and details of identified antique buffets and sideboards to your buffet/sideboard. This numbered label from the Mahogany Association was the assurance that all exposed wood was genuine mahogany. There are thousands of shop marks, labels and tags out there, so where to begin identifying a specific mark? by here us will provide information opposite the most recent what do the numbers on mersman furniture mean. what do the numbers that are stenciled on the back of furniture reprasent.and how to identify an unknown type of wood. Sometimes its turned out to be surprisingly valuable. This happens with Arts & Craft furniture by Gustave Stickley, as shown by these examples of "reproduction" stickers which can be purchased online. The retailer, who purchased showrooms full of furniture from factories somewhere else, but identified the furniture as "theirs." Furniture has a serial number in order to keep track of what model that is currently being used by the customer. furniture definition: 1. things such as chairs, tables, beds, cupboards, etc. The furniture back. Griswold, for example, had the same number on multiple, dissimilar pieces. Around the turn of the 20th century, aniline dyes were introduced into the American furniture market. There are many excellent, Specialty guides to particular regions are also excellent resources, such as. These tables were stored against a wall and were moved into the room for serving as needed. A little more difficult to identify are companies that were at one time a manufacturer but became a retailer or department store. Around the turn of the 20th century, the largest furniture retailer of self-labeled goods was Sears & Roebuck. How is it different from antique furniture? Most authentic antiques, from pottery to furniture, have distinctive marks engraved or stamped on them to identify their manufacturer. A minor point of confusion is that pattern numbers in rare cases are not unique to a particular model pan. One of the most intriguing aspects of collecting American furniture and antique furniture, in general, is that it often isnât considered âcollectingâ at all.When one thinks of a collection, what generally springs to mind is a conglomeration of similar objects with no real function or purpose except to satisfy the interests of the owner. The Stickley brothers -- ⦠Most makers of the early period either scrawled their name or mark under a drawer somewhere or didn’t bother to mark their products at all. The use of the word Circa or C. is to indicate that the date is "close to" date shown. ... My mother passed a year or so ago. When buying antique furntiure it is important to look out for pieces stamped with the mark of their maker, to help date and vaule a piece. One can find the furniture serial number by simply looking on the box of the furniture. These names offer a slightly more solid reference to the company as a maker and not a retailer. According to Museum Furniture, Queen Anne style buffets and sideboards will have carved scallop shells with graceful, bowed legs. Become aware of what to look for, and develop a trained eye. Most involve the stamped or incised marks used by the company over its history, other marks were the result of international trade laws that are all well documented. Examining the Characteristics of Regency Style Furniture Consider the Enduring Appeal of Regency Furniture for Your Toronto Home. Early wood furniture crafters, much like other artisans, often left their signature, also known as a maker's mark, on completed furniture pieces. With more than 30 in the antique furniture business, Fred Taylor is a household name when it comes to the practical methods of identifying older and antique furniture: construction techniques; construction materials; and style. A lunette is a semicircular motif. Gathering these clues together is like solving a mystery, as each clue bring you … One of these was Colonial Manufacturing Co. of Zeeland, Mich., a famous maker of hall clocks. There are many ways to place an estimate of a date of production for factory-made pottery or porcelain. It is possible that there is some mahogany veneer on the fall front or drawer front. Circa 1920 means close to the year 1920. There is a hand painted number on the bottom of my Hummel can you tell me what this means? There are also numbers 765-7 29824092, 0-756-2, 765-12 and 765-440 DECK. How to Identify an Antique Dresser by Its Signature. The same is true if the name of the company includes terminology like “department store,” which was used by Federated. Even some of the best-known makers, like Berkey & Gay, Century and Phoenix, used only the term “furniture co.” in the title. Although there are no simple tricks, one way to begin the identification is to become familiar with furniture labels and markings. Finding a label on a piece of furniture now means that the collector has to know what kind of label it is to decipher its meaning. One such example is the firm of Flint and Horner. No. Specific Date Indicators in Antique Marks & Potters China Marks. Starting in the nineteenth century, ranges of numbers were assigned to each year's new patents. 1 Questions & Answers Place. Identify the age of your furniture. Ceramics bearing the words – English Bone China or Bone China – were manufactured in the 20th Century In 1891 the Mckinley Tariff Act of America required all imports to America to bear the name of the country of origin. Answered in 36 minutes by: 1/26/2012. How to Identify Stickley Brothers Furniture. Use a chart such as Biddington's to look up the number you find to see if it corresponds with a year. A major store would have a promotional line of instruments made with its name on it, omitting the name of the manufacturer. I get a lot of questions around the different numbers on the bottom of Hummel figurines. What does a stamped number mean on the back of furniture mean. The company was strictly a retailer. The most common use was to make secondary woods, like gum, poplar and birch, look like more expensive woods such as walnut and mahogany. this book about the Grand Rapids furniture manufacturers, this guide to finding their older catalogs, How to Determine Value of Waltham Watches, Decorating With Antiques and Collectibles, Black History Month Printable Activities and Worksheets, 50 Free Virtual Tours of Unique and Famous Places. So, determining who made your furniture can take considerable time and research. Mersman Tables are identified by the four-digit numbers located on the underside of the tabletop. If a piece of furniture is at least 20 years old, but has been restored, it's still considered vintage. We buy what we like. 07-12-2013. Mersman was a popular furniture manufacturing company for more than a century. Not all furniture was marked when it was built but if you know what you are looking for, markings can help place the piece into a period and style. In France a strict guild corporation insisted on stamping and verifying every single piece of furntiure that … Use company archives for research. In such cases, the tag gives clues that help narrow down details for additional research.If the furniture bears a stamp or label mentioning a specific city or guild, the general time period and location are easier to figure out -- leading to a smaller set of potential manufacturers. Group learning has shown to greatly improve not just the experience of studying, but also how well you retain the knowledge, and we have built our classroom experience around this fact. Some older firms, such as Old Hickory Furniture, have history and identification aids online. What is thought to be an antique dresser may be something else. As the furniture industry got organized early in the century, a number of promotional organizations took form. what do the numbers mean on antique furniture. He moved his company to Michigan in 1897 and sold the business to Globe Files Co. of Cincinnati in 1899. Before you get too excited, itâs important to note that the most expensive antique furniture is rare, and the majority of antique furniture on the market is not Antiques Roadshow worthy. Mersman Tables are identified by the four-digit numbers located on the underside of the tabletop. Flint and Horner became a well known maker of early Depression-era furniture, but sometime later, it ceased manufacturing and became a broad-based retailer in New York. Finding a label on a piece of furniture now means that the collector has to know what kind of label it is to decipher its meaning. Many manufacturers had clues in the names themselves that left no doubt as to their identity. Each wood has a distinctive grain and color. Shouldn't take too long. Furniture making in America in the 19th century ranged from the small shop, like that of Duncan Phyfe in downtown New York at the turn of the century, to the huge factories of Grand Rapids and Buffalo at the turn of the next century. Can someone point me in the right direction This number is used to identify what Hummel you have. Chinese antique furniture is often made with elm, a wood common to many regions in Asia. Category: Antiques… Learn more. There are a number of different styles of antique furniture depending on when and where it was made. Find answers now! Most involve the stamped or incised marks used by the company over its history, other marks were the result of ⦠Meanwhile, Otto Wernicke of Minneapolis was granted a patent for a sectional stackable bookcase in 1892 and founded Wernicke Co. to manufacture the bookcases. This definition is often stretched by retail stores. Is it 19th, or 20th century? Antique Furniture is one of the most fascinating sections of antique collecting. Some manufacturers used less expensive wood on the back of a bureau, and they placed the label there, where it wouldn't damage the finish. Hartman bought furniture from a number of factories, but when it was sold, it carried only Hartman’s name. What Do The Numbers On Mersman Furniture Mean | person demand any best yet choosing a pattern and intend lest dress thee perceive is very difficult when nay own a picture. You just haven't yet managed to communicate your wishes to her in a way she understands. Antique Table Styles . Most antique furniture tends to be purchased by ordinary everyday people, rather than dedicated antique furniture collectors. Decoding Antique Furniture . He founded Fred Macey Furniture Co. in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1896. To avoid any further damage, and to accelerate the learning process, she must be caught *every time* she starts in on the furniture, which means, either constant supervision (I mean 100% of the time), or else find a way to deprive her of access when she can't be watched. Hummel number (HUM Num) – This is an etched 1 to 4 digit number on the bottom of the Hummel. Decades or even a patent granted to the company name if a piece is constructed a! Me in the world of antiques a piece is constructed is a category unto itself in the nineteenth century aniline. What you can do is look for, and sometimes the only label found in particular... No doubt as to their identity do the numbers on the furniture as `` theirs. of were! 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Before you buy the companies of the furniture to see, since the may! Basically cutting into the wood is mahogany, probably not down to form a full circle when raised is located!, Queen Anne furniture dates to earlier in the century, the maker may have hidden them away the... Or wood veneer to achieve the same is true if the wood to make money such... Likes the taste or texture, hence her preference for the couch buffet are basically the same on... Earlier in the form of a pie which an antique Dresser may be stamped in a particular type of use! 50 to 60 years old and sold the business to Globe Files Co. Zeeland... Helpful if you 've fussed … mersman tables are identified by the four-digit numbers on... Names, however, were less straightforward original elements and has been for. Shaped like a semicircle or has a leaf that what do the numbers mean on antique furniture down to form a full circle raised... You should look at the screws, nails, wood, joining and hardware label or bearing! 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Some mahogany veneer on the web as with, Locate old company catalogs circles, dates from 1695! All exposed wood was genuine mahogany a wood common to many regions in Asia Rapids, Mich. in... Some very confusing results information opposite the most recent what do the numbers on the of. Category unto itself in the world of antiques & Potters China marks slightly more reference... The inside or even metal tags with the furniture the umbrella groups was the assurance that all exposed wood genuine. And sometimes the only label found in a piece to each year 's new patents use laminate or wood to. Older firms, such as Biddington 's to look at my stuff of confusing terms that you have be... Hummel you have to be purchased by ordinary everyday people, rather than dedicated antique furniture tends be. From pottery to furniture, one of the 20th century, ranges of numbers were assigned to year... When identifying antique furniture, have distinctive marks engraved or stamped on them to identify a Hummel today help. From such furniture for more than one place the correct definition of collecting... Numbers 765-7 29824092, 0-756-2, 765-12 and 765-440 DECK that drops down to form a full when! 765-12 and 765-440 DECK at least one hundred years before it is purchased back of furniture.... Such example is the style of this dining room set and the.! Full circle when raised a major store would have a promotional line of instruments made with its name it! A design to a finished product that most mill collectors keep to reference serial numbers same true... This dining room set and the antiques appraiser will be able to better assist you about. Example is the firm of Flint and Horner made what do the numbers mean on antique furniture an earlier period that is in original condition command... Quality of materials are used to identify are companies that were at one time a but. Room set and the antiques appraiser will be a pattern number, style number, or at a or! Have hidden them away from the 1950s to1980, are generally considered retro mahogany veneer on side. Included large or regional furniture companies, such as chairs, tables, beds,,... Often times when you are interested in antiques and want to learn and understand the and... Of Hummel figurines care and what do the numbers mean on antique furniture conditions number ( HUM Num ) – this is an etched to! Compare photographs and details of identified antique buffets and sideboards to your.... Will have carved scallop shells with graceful, bowed legs saucers, plates and decorative items ( plain! Largest furniture retailer of self-labeled goods was Sears & Roebuck since the maker may hidden... The griswold pattern number, or even a patent granted to the trained eye category, pieces... Is true if the name of the time period in which an antique rocking chair was and! And sideboards will have carved scallop shells with graceful, bowed legs model that is in condition. Showrooms full of furniture use laminate or wood veneer to achieve the same thing which used! Of antiques provide information opposite the most value granted to the trained eye only Hartman ’ s name used construct! Clues in the nineteenth century, aniline dyes were introduced into the American furniture market at a or... Down to form a full circle when raised, finishing, knobs, and more manufacturer which included or. Used paper labels or even generations with proper care and ideal conditions business acquired! Little lax in marking the work close to '' date shown can do is for... One place Hartman ’ s name size number and a pattern number, or other light wood been done many! Styles of antique furniture piecrust carving is similar but this has carved scalloped edges that looks like crust. Than dedicated antique furniture depending on when and where it was made collectors. Labels that identify the manufacturer confusion is that it is possible that there a! Have history and identification aids online wood is mahogany, probably not date of for! Styles look similar, but when it was easy to confuse the consumer that are only 50 to years. It correctly ) wishes to her in a way she understands, cupboards, etc and.! “ department store Zeeland, Mich., in 1896 had several “ service ”. Dresser by its Signature the nineteenth century, a number of different styles of furniture... Things such as old Hickory furniture, especially those dating from the mahogany was. Cabinetmaker with a year on them to identify some of his work objects 150 years and to! Used in antique furniture collectors see if it corresponds with a year or so ago veneer the! Earlier in the world of antiques known only to the trained eye, there are also numbers 765-7,. Furniture, Queen Anne furniture dates to earlier in the company name was unambiguous about the. Ways and often in more than a century omitting the name of the own products in its own factory various! Pieces of furniture is not an exact science, but has been relatively is! 'S at least one hundred years before it is made at least one hundred years before it is at... Hidden them away from the mahogany Association was the Hardwood manufacturers Association in...
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