When you’re not sure how to identify an antique dresser, you’ll want to start by determining its age and maker. Look for Dovetail joints, Errors in finishing, and Maker’s marks. These can all help you narrow down the age range of your dresser. You can also refer to a book, such as A Dictionary of Marks, which was written by Margaret Macdonald-Taylor.
Dovetail joints
If you’re looking to restore an antique dresser, one of the best ways to do so is to look for dovetail joints. Dovetail joints are a particular type of joint, made by sliding two pieces of wood together. The method is very similar to assembling puzzle pieces. In addition, you can increase the tension between the tails by tugging on them. This technique makes them stronger than other types of joints, such as box-type joints.
The key to identifying dovetail joints is to examine the drawers. If you find a piece with a large tail on one of its drawers, then it was most likely created by hand. Later on, machine-cut dovetail joints began to appear. The “teeth” between the components are almost identical to those made by hand. Therefore, if you see them, your dresser has dovetail joints.
Dovetail joints are very strong, and you should look for them on an antique dresser. These joineries were commonly used by cabinet makers to join the cases of their furniture. Antique furniture often features hand-cut dovetail joints, which indicate that it was made prior to 1870. If you see one, be sure to look closely at it. Dovetails are made of different types of wood, including oak, maple, and cherry.
Maker’s mark
If you have an antique dresser, you might be wondering how to recognize the maker’s mark. If you are unable to locate the makers’ mark on an item, the best way to determine its provenance is to look for other identifying characteristics. The presence of makers’ marks and labels adds new layers of meaning and helps you place your piece in context. Here are some ways to identify makers’ marks and labels on antique pieces.
To identify the maker of an antique piece, check the back, underside, and ends of the dresser or chest of drawers. Look for the manufacturer’s name on the underside of legs and chair seats as well. Some makers use ink stamps, ivorine labels, embossed metal tags, or even carved into the wood. Several makers of antique furniture also use paper labels to identify their pieces. These papers usually include the company name and address of the maker.
If you cannot locate the maker’s mark on an antique dresser, consider obtaining a reproduction. While reproductions may be inexpensive, replicas are not. The original designer’s name should also be included in the listing. The maker’s mark is an indication of authenticity. While the makers’ mark can be difficult to locate, it will help you determine the value of the piece. You might find a hidden gem.
Errors in finishing
There are many possible reasons why your antique dresser might have an uneven finish. The top surface may look cracked or worn, or it may be a different shade than what you would normally choose. Regardless of the reason, you will want to preserve the antique dresser’s appearance as much as possible. The following are some tips to help you keep your dresser’s finish in good condition. First, remove all items, including the mirror, from the piece. If you don’t remove all the items from it, you will lose a lot of value.
If you don’t notice any of these signs, it’s important to purchase a new dresser. If the finish is uneven, it could be a sign of a problem with the original construction. A piece with irregular wood might be painted to hide these imperfections. If this happens, the owner may have stripped off the paint to expose the wood, or applied a varnish finish. Either way, you may be able to spot an antique dresser that has a defect in the finish.
Once you’ve cleaned and sanded the dresser, you can begin painting. Use a paintbrush to paint larger surfaces, such as the drawer fronts and sides, as the roller may not be able to reach all of the details. Also, don’t forget to wax the drawer rails, which improves drawer function and prevents wood pieces from getting stuck. Once you have a finish that you’re happy with, you can enjoy the piece for years to come.
Age range
The construction of antique furniture is important when determining the age range of a piece. Older furniture will typically have more visible signs of rough cutting and tool marks. If the pieces are rough, they are more than likely pre-1850. The construction and materials used in the furniture’s construction will also determine the age. If the dresser is dated earlier than that, the woodworking techniques used were different. Look for signs of hand filing or rough surfaces in the wood.
Antique dresser hardware and drawer pulls are a good indication of the age of a piece. Handmade pulls are more pronounced and unique, while machine-made ones are uniform and do not have patent stamps. Another clue to the age of an item is the style of its latches. If the piece has wooden latches, it was probably constructed before 1850. Likewise, an item with perfect dovetails is likely to be from the 19th or early 20th centuries.
While a piece’s general style can give some clues to its age, it’s impossible to give an exact age. Look for the joinery, or the spot where pieces come together. If you notice any, it may have been handcrafted or machine-cut. Look for it on the sides and bottom. If you can tell by the joinery, the piece is likely to be older than 1860. However, this does not mean you should automatically disregard any of the details.
Hepplewhite dresser
The Hepplewhite dresser is a timeless piece that has clean lines and is perfect for any bedroom. Made in the 1940s, this piece is comprised of five graduated drawers and features the original oval pulls that were refinished with copper gilding wax. Its painted finish has blue undertones and is in excellent vintage condition. If you are looking for an affordable piece of furniture that will enhance your home’s interior design, this is the perfect choice.
The serpentine front is a beautiful addition to any Hepplewhite style furniture. The process involves placing a piece of wood in a mold and slowly bending the piece with the use of heat, steam, and gentle pressure. The process is not rushed, but can crack wood. While these fronts are popular in Hepplewhite style furniture, they look great on any antique/vintage piece. The patterns vary in complexity.
Decorative details such as ornate carvings can be beautiful, and Hepplewhite style furniture is extremely collectible. Older pieces often feature ornate wood elements. Hepplewhite furniture usually features shield or oval-shaped backs, bracket feet, and a number of distinct hardware pieces. The Hepplewhite style is classical in design and features many embellishments, including small carvings, and beautiful brass hardware.
Queen Anne dresser
If you are interested in owning a piece of Queen Anne furniture, it may be helpful to know how to identify it. These pieces are made in various styles and are often quite delicate. Unlike some pieces of Queen Anne furniture, however, they are made of solid wood and may even have carved details. The style is most often characterized by its carved feet and can feature the following features:
To identify Queen Anne furniture, you should read this article. It discusses the style’s popularity in America and the main differences between Queen Anne furniture from England. It was published in October 1939 in American Collector, a magazine that served dealers and collectors of antiques and related decorative arts. Queen Anne furniture is a wonderful way to add unique accents to your interior design. These pieces are also a great way to add some character to your room.
Another way to tell if your piece is a Queen Anne dresser is to look at its legs. The legs of Queen Anne dressers will usually be cabriole-shaped and have a plain Dutch or carved webfoot. Look for carved motives such as acanthus leaves and scallop shells. The legs of a Queen Anne dresser should also have a Spanish foot. If you can’t identify the legs, you can use the following tips: