Dating Antique Bedroom Furniture: An Expert's Guide

how to date antique bedroom furniture

Dating antique bedroom furniture can be a fun and rewarding endeavour. It can also be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. One of the first things to look at is the style of the furniture. Different styles were popular during different periods, such as the William and Mary style from 1685-1720, the Queen Anne style from 1720-1760, and the Chippendale style from 1755-1790. The type of wood used can also be a clue, as certain woods were more popular during certain periods. For example, oak was commonly used from 1700 to 1900, while mahogany and walnut were prevalent from 1700 to 1800. Examining the screws and nails can also provide valuable information, as manufacturing methods changed over time. Other things to look out for include the finish, the construction of drawers and dovetails, and any stamps or marks from the manufacturer.

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Inspect the screws

Inspecting the screws on a piece of antique bedroom furniture can provide valuable clues about its age. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to understand the evolution of screw manufacturing. Screws were not fully machine-made until around 1848. Before this, screws were handmade or partially machine-made, resulting in variations in size, shape, and uniformity. Handmade screws from the 18th century often had off-centre heads and slots, with visible file marks and imperfections. The introduction of machine-made screws in the 19th century led to more consistent threading, but the heads and slots may still be off-centre due to the manual addition of the groove using hacksaws.

When inspecting the screws, pay attention to their overall condition and appearance. Look for signs of handwork, such as off-centre heads and slots, or variations in size and shape. If the screws have completely rounded shafts, pointed ends, and flawlessly polished heads with matching cuts, they are likely from the mid-19th century or later. Screws with these characteristics were mass-produced and became the standard for most furniture after the late 19th century.

Additionally, examine the slot in the head of the screw. If you notice marks made by a screwdriver turning the screw in a counterclockwise direction, it may indicate that the original screw was removed and possibly replaced. This can be a clue that the screws are not original to the piece of furniture.

Another aspect to consider is the type of screw head. Common types include Phillips, Torx, and square recess. The presence of Phillips-head screws, introduced in the late 1930s, suggests that the furniture is either from that period or has had the screws replaced.

Finally, compare the screws to known examples from different periods. By studying the characteristics of screws from various eras, you can make more informed judgments about the age of the furniture. This may involve consulting antique hardware specialists or referencing antique screw collections.

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Examine the wood type

Examining the type of wood used in antique bedroom furniture can provide clues about its age. Oak was the primary wood used in furniture made before 1700. From 1700 onwards, mahogany and walnut were widely used. In the 1800s, maple and cherry were common in fine furniture manufacture. Many Victorian furniture manufacturers used mahogany and rosewood through the late 1800s. Then, around 1900, oak became popular again.

In America, pine has always been used because it is easy to find and work with. Better-quality American furniture may be made with maple, oak, walnut, cherry, or mahogany.

In addition to the type of wood, the finish on the wood can also help date a piece of antique furniture. Until Victorian times, shellac was the only clear surface finish; lacquer and varnish were not developed until the mid-1800s. A piece of furniture made before 1860 usually has a shellac finish; if the piece is very old, it may be finished with oil, wax, or milk paint.

It is important to note that the type of wood is not an exact indicator of age, but when combined with other factors such as style and construction technique, it can provide a better idea of the date of the piece.

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Check the upholstery

When trying to determine the age of a piece of antique bedroom furniture, it is important to look beyond its style. Popular styles have been reproduced over the years and some of these classic styles are still being manufactured today. Therefore, it is crucial to examine other factors such as the upholstery, joinery, finishing, knobs, and materials used.

  • Evaluate the Upholstery Fabric: Traditional upholstery materials such as wool, silk, and cotton were woven into a variety of satins and brocades with different patterns. Familiarize yourself with the types of fabric commonly used in different historical periods. For example, needlework upholstery and decoratively painted surfaces were popular during the Elizabethan era (1850-1915). In contrast, the Victorian era (1830-1890) was known for its ornate styles, heavy fabrics, and cluttered environments.
  • Check for Upholstery Wear and Tear: Look for signs of wear and tear on the upholstery, such as worn-down drawer runners or pockets of dirt in corners. These indicators can help verify the authenticity of antique furniture and provide clues about its age.
  • Inspect the Cushions: Consider the comfort and thickness of the cushions. For example, the Federal (Hepplewhite) period (1790-1815) furniture aimed for a little more comfort in chairs and sofas, but they did not feature thick cushions or seats. On the other hand, the Renaissance Revival period (1850-1880) often included upholstery of a more generous nature.
  • Examine the Colour and Design: Different colours and designs of upholstery were favoured during various historical periods. For instance, the French Restoration period (1830-1850) featured sweeping, undulating curves, while the Rococo Revival period (1845-1870) employed scrolls and fluid shapes.
  • Consult Expert Sources: If you are unsure about the age or authenticity of the antique bedroom furniture, consult expert sources such as antique dealers, appraisers, or reference books. For example, "American Furniture: Tables, Chairs, Sofas, and Beds" by Marvin D. Schwartz can help you decipher the upholstery styles that align with specific historical periods.

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Assess the feet style

When assessing the feet style of antique bedroom furniture, it is important to note that different styles were prevalent in various historical periods. Here is a guide to help you identify the era of your antique furniture based on its feet style:

16th Century

The 16th century is characterised by elaborate carvings and designs in furniture. The most common feet styles of this period include the bun, ball, and block. The ball foot, with its ball-like shape and narrow neck, was popular in the William and Mary style. It provided stability to heavy pieces like dressers and chests. The trestle foot, dating back to the Middle Ages, is another antique style from this century.

17th Century

The 17th century introduced more intricate and slender feet designs with ornate details and carvings. The most common styles include the claw and ball, hoof, and bracket feet. The claw and ball foot style, inspired by Chinese mythology, was a popular choice for Queen Anne furniture. The hoof foot, resembling an animal trotter, was commonly used in the Cabriole leg to enhance the furniture's grace. The onion foot, similar to the ball foot but with a flat base, was a popular choice for Dutch American-inspired furniture.

18th Century

The 18th century saw the invention of more stylized and ornate feet styles. The trifid and monopodium feet were commonly used during this period. The trifid foot, resembling an animal paw, was often found in Queen Anne and early Chippendale furniture. The monopodium foot, resembling a lion's paw, was initially used for single tables but later extended to chairs and sofas. Bracket feet, providing excellent support for heavy furniture, also became popular during this century.

19th Century and Beyond

In the 19th century and beyond, feet styles continued to evolve and vary. The spade foot, with its rectangular shape, became popular in the Hepplewhite and Sheraton styles. The French foot, a slender type of bracket foot with a curved outward design, was suitable for lightweight furniture. The arrow foot, resembling a triangular cylinder, was commonly found in Windsor chairs. The dolphin foot, with its intricate fish head design, was a choice for Renaissance furniture.

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Look for tool marks

Tool marks on antique furniture can provide valuable clues about the age and history of a piece. Here are some tips for looking for tool marks on antique bedroom furniture:

  • Saws: Handsaw marks are relatively rare, as surfaces were often further dressed or concealed within joints. However, you may find handsaw marks on the bottom of chair legs, which are carved rather than turned, and on the inward-facing surfaces of carved legs. Look for thin overcuts left on dovetail joints.
  • Planes: The jack plane or fore plane was commonly used to shape and size lumber. It leaves long, shallow gouges that can be detected by running fingertips lightly across the grain or using a raking light. These marks are commonly found on drawer bottoms and back panels of 18th and early 19th-century furniture.
  • Lathes: Early foot-powered lathes often left inconsistencies in the length and depth of individual elements and cuts. Look for variations in "identical" turnings on the same piece by careful measurement. Foot-powered lathes also left a single shallow round hole in the end of a turned piece, rather than the four radiating lines found on modern lathe-turned pieces.
  • Drill Bits: Most 18th and early 19th-century cabinetmakers used a round-ended bit, known as a spoon bit or pod auger, which leaves a rounded hole that can be detected by touch or flashlight. Flat-bottomed bits, known as center bits or brad point bits, were also used and left a flat hole with a conical indentation.
  • Chisels: Chisel marks are usually found on unseen surfaces, such as under chair seats and behind carved knees. Look for sharp, undressed edges of chisel cuts. Surface carvings can also provide good sites for finding chisel marks. Hold the piece up to a light to look for individual chisel strokes.
  • Marking Devices: Woodworkers often used marking devices to indicate cut lines, joinery, and measurements. Look for marks made by an awl or scratch awl, which may appear as small holes or scratches. Marking gauges were also used and left more visible lines to indicate the depth of cuts or the precise spot of a mortise.

By examining these tool marks and comparing them to known techniques and tools from different periods, you can gain valuable insights into the age and history of antique bedroom furniture.

Frequently asked questions

The first thing to do is to check the screws. Screws that look like modern variations that you'd find in the local home improvement store have no place on antiques that date from before c. 1860. In fact, screws in general didn't really come into vogue until the turn of the 20th century.

The style of the furniture can give you a good indication of its age. For example, ball or round feet are prevalent in Baroque antiques, and were popular from the 1600s until the 19th century. Dolphin-shaped feet were popular in the 18th century, while hoof feet were used in the 17th and 18th centuries.

If you think you have something valuable, it's best to hire an expert. They will be able to use their knowledge of antiques and dating methods to give you the most accurate estimate of its age.

Written by
  • Lara Beck
  • Lara Beck
    Author Home Renovation Professional
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