Antique Hunter's Guide to American Furniture

by Ketchum, Jr., William C.; Von Habsburg, Elizabeth; Schwartz, Marvin D.

• ISBN13: 9781579121457
• ISBN10: 1579121454
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-09-22
• Publisher: Hachette Books

Summary

The Antique Hunter's Guide to American Furniture is an indispensable reference and collecting tool for novice and experienced collectors alike. Expertly researched, each of the 334 representative examples of chests, cupboards, desks, racks, stands and other pieces-from Federal to Colonial Revival to Mission to modern-are photographed in full color and accompanied by an authoritative description of the variations, materials, origin, and (if known) maker. Price listings and tips help both casual and serious collectors find great buys and identify valuable pieces. An extensive reference section includes a checklist for identifying styles, a discussion on construction and types of woods, an illustrated glossary, a list of public collections, tips for buying at auction and much, much more.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Preface	8	(1)
A Simple Way to Identify Furniture	9	(1)
American Furniture Styles	10	(16)
Parts of Furniture	26	(4)
Hardware	30	(4)
How to Use This Guide	34	(1)
Information-at-a-Glance	35	(1)
Visual Key	36
Furniture
Dry Sinks, Washstands, and Commodes	1	(18)
Servers, Serving Tables, and Sideboards	19	(20)
Desks and Low Secretaries	39	(38)
Secretaries and Tall Desks	77	(14)
Cupboards, Cabinets, and Other Large Storage Pieces	91	(42)
Highboys and Tall Chests of Drawers	133	(16)
Lowboys, Dressing Tables, Dressers, and Shaving Stands	149	(30)
Mirrors	179	(24)
Chests of Drawers	203	(28)
Chests and Blanket Chests	231	(22)
Small Storage Units	253	(20)
Miscellaneous Furnishings	273	(54)
Fire Screens	327	(77)
Collecting Tools
Checklist for Identifying Styles	404	(4)
List of Plates by Style	408	(3)
Construction and Connoisseurship	411	(10)
General Types of Woods	421	(2)
Woods by Stylistic Periods	423	(1)
Glossary	424	(18)
Bibliography	442	(5)
Antiques Publications	447	(1)
Public Collections	448	(2)
Where to Buy Antique Furniture	450	(1)
Buying at Auction	451	(2)
Price Guide	453	(13)
Picture Credits	466	(3)
Index	469