Learn how to identify valuable pieces and where to find them.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Dutch kept their work utilitarian.
In the 19th century, as the industrial revolution made furniture manufacturing more efficient, two parallel tracks continued.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
On the more intricate side of things, Neoclassical and Victorian styles emerged.
What is an Antique?
An important distinction when shopping for American antiques is thedifference between vintage and antique.
Credit:Potomac Collective
By definition, antiques are items that are over 100 years old.
Anything younger is vintage.
That means your favorite midcentury record cabinet is not an antique (yet!
Credit:https://www.instagram.com/potomaccollective/
), while your grandmother’s 1890 steamer trunk is an antique.
These pieces have minimal ornamentation, but they’re solidly crafted with intentionally designed and smoothed angles.
Many of these date to Early American days, but that is not exclusive.
Credit:https://www.instagram.com/potomaccollective/
Chippendale and Queen Anne are two of the most popular.
Each of these borrowed heavily from British design of the time.
Functional furniture without detail or ornamentation was characteristic of the simplicity of the Shaker period.
Gilded details, gothic styling, old world tapestries, and heavy carved wood filled opulent Victorian homes.
Leather, a handmade look (hence the crafts!
), and dark wood styling were popular during this era.
Ornamentation, detail, and extra flourishes added a whimsical formality to decor of the time.
All of these styles together are what creates a home and a collection.
It’s a mix of modern and traditional.
Thistlethwaite explains, “For generations collectors' goals were to build collections of nothing but their specific focus.
The modern person really chooses blend the old with the new.”
I tell clients you must first look at a piece and make an immediate connection.
It should capture the eye and make you want to notice it," says Thistlethwaite.
But, as a collector, these are a few of the factors to consider when evaluating American antiques.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t run into inaccuracies when shopping for specific items.
She recommends going in with your own research to authenticate purchases.
Condition
Antiques have a patinathat’s part of their beauty.
However, Bickish explains that there are certain condition markers to keep an eye out for.
This could also mean that two pieces have been put together at some point in time.
Furniture like this is referred to as a ‘married’ piece," says Bickish.
What is a Joiner?
Craftsmanship
Assessing the craftsmanship means getting up close and personal with an antique.
“Take drawers out, pull it off the wall, and flip it on its back.
A piece should show age and have a patina that simply cannot be recreated.”
Materials
Anytime you’re looking at antiques, Bickish recommends considering both the primary versus secondary wood.
“The aristocracy of England and France imported luxury goods and elite American households sought to imitate these.
It just goes to show how ‘keep up with the Joneses’ is nothing new.
Even pre- information age Americans were aware of and sought to follow international trends,” says Bickish.
“We receive regular requests for furniture from Federal and Sheraton periods.
Victorian is less popular, with the exception of marble-topped Eastlake chests and tables,” says Bickish.
“Wealthier families would order complete sets of Fitzhugh or Blue Canton china.
Silverware
The beauty of silver is in its ability to be dated more precisely than other antiques.
From silver Jefferson cups to sets of silverware, these are consistently desirable antiques to collect.
Bickish adds that, often, they’re topped with an eagle and one additional clever detail.
“Many have thirteen balls surrounding the mirror, signifying the 13 original American colonies.”
Mass production, of course, made things more affordablewhich is great!
But it led to a decrease in skilled artisan work and quality furniture construction.
But, more often than not, your biggest clues will be in the material and construction.
This also doesn’t mean the pre-1840, signed piece is your key to an early retirement.
Bickish adds, “We would not recommend buying a piece of furniture for sheer monetary gain.
But gems can be hiding anywhere.
Online marketplaces have become a treasure trove of antique finds.
You’ll walk in the door and beeline for the stunning Federal style sideboard.
Other times, you may stumble upon amazing pieces that have been in families for generations.
When you get a great antique, it isn’t just about the piece.
It is about the experience of finding it and all the characters along the way.”
Beyond that, the only thing to watch for is the humidity levels within your home.
But Thistlethwaite leaves us with perhaps the best advice for any item in your home.
“Use your antiques.
Let your kids sit on them.
Put your clothes in them and love them.
All a good antique need is love and the occasional coat of wax.”
In some cases, there may be a maker’s mark.
If you find a maker’s mark on an antique, you’ve hit the jackpot!
