Welcome to all the vintage lovers and furniture enthusiasts out there! Are you someone who has a deep appreciation for classic pieces that stand the test of time? Do you find yourself drawn to unique designs and impeccable craftsmanship? If so, then this blog post is perfect for you.
Today, we will be exploring the world of Widdicomb furniture, a brand known for its exquisite quality and timeless elegance. Dating back to 1858, Widdicomb has been creating stunning pieces that remain highly sought after by collectors and homeowners alike.
In this post, we will take a closer look at how to date Widdicomb furniture and uncover the rich history behind each piece. So sit back, grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Widdicomb furniture together!
Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Date Widdicomb Furniture
Step 1: Examine the Label or Markings
The first step in dating any Widdicomb furniture piece is to look for a label or markings. Most Widdicomb pieces will have a label attached that includes their name, location, and year of production. The location is typically Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the company was originally based. However, some older pieces may also have a stamp or branding on the furniture itself. This can help in determining the approximate age of the piece.
Step 2: Research Design Styles
Widdicomb is known for its diverse range of design styles, which evolved. By researching these design styles, you can get an idea of when a particular piece was produced. For example, Widdicomb was known for its traditional Victorian style in the late 19th century, while its mid-century modern pieces gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.
Step 3: Examine Construction Techniques
Another way to date Widdicomb furniture is by examining the construction techniques used. As with any company, Widdicomb evolved its production methods over the years, and these changes in technique can provide clues as to when a piece was made. For instance, dovetail joints were commonly used in earlier pieces, while later ones may have been constructed using screws or nails.
Step 4: Check for Patents
Widdicomb was known for its innovative designs and often patented their creations. By researching these patents, you can determine when a particular piece was produced. This information can typically be found online or by consulting with an antique furniture expert. Make sure to gather as much information as possible, including the patent number and year of production.
Step 5: Seek Expert Opinion
When in doubt, it’s always best to seek help from experts. Antique furniture dealers or appraisers who specialize in Widdicomb pieces can provide valuable insight into dating a particular item. They may also be able to offer additional information about the history and value of your Widdicomb piece. This can be especially helpful when determining the authenticity of a piece, as there have been cases of counterfeit Widdicomb furniture.
Following these guidelines, you can confidently date your Widdicomb furniture and learn more about its unique history. But dating a piece is just the first step, as each Widdicomb item has its own story waiting to be discovered. So go ahead and explore the world of Widdicomb furniture, one timeless piece at a time! Happy hunting!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Date Widdicomb Furniture
1. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a particular piece of Widdicomb furniture, do not hesitate to consult with experts and collectors. They may be able to provide valuable information and insights about the history and production of Widdicomb pieces.
2. Another helpful resource is the company’s catalogs and advertisements. By examining these materials, you can gather clues about the period and style of a particular piece.
3. Pay attention to the design and construction of the furniture. Widdicomb pieces are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, so if you notice any shoddy workmanship or materials, it could be a sign that the piece is not authentic.
4. Look for the manufacturer’s marks and labels on the furniture. These can provide important information such as the date of production and the designer or collection.
5. Keep in mind that Widdicomb furniture was often produced in limited quantities, so finding an exact match to a piece you are trying to date may be difficult. However, this does not necessarily mean that your piece is not authentic.
6. Don’t forget to take into account common styles and trends of the period when trying to date Widdicomb furniture. This can help you narrow down the possible production dates and gain a better understanding of the piece’s design.
7. When in doubt, consult with multiple sources and references to confirm your findings. It is always better to be thorough and accurate in dating Widdicomb furniture.
8. Finally, don’t get discouraged if you are not able to date a piece of Widdicomb furniture with certainty. The company’s long history and varied production can make it challenging to determine exact dates, but the process of researching and learning about these beautiful pieces is part of the enjoyment for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Following these tips and utilizing available resources can greatly improve your ability to date Widdicomb furniture accurately. Remember to always approach the process with patience, curiosity, and a desire to learn more about this iconic brand. Happy hunting!
Things You Should Consider to Date Widdicomb Furniture
1. The first thing you need to consider when dating Widdicomb furniture is its design. David Widdicomb was known for combining traditional styles with modern designs, so look out for unique pieces that have a mix of both.
2. Another important factor to keep in mind is the materials used in making the furniture. Widdicomb Furniture used high-quality wood and veneers such as mahogany, walnut, and cherry. Make sure to check the type of wood used in the piece you are interested in.
3. Dating Widdicomb furniture also requires you to pay attention to details like hardware, finishes, and labels. Early pieces were often marked with a paper label or stamped with a metal tag, while later pieces had engraved labels.
4. The condition of the furniture is crucial in determining its age. Widdicomb Furniture often uses custom-made hardware, and if any have been replaced, it could indicate that the piece has been restored or repaired.
5. Understanding the history of Widdicomb Furniture can also help you date a piece accurately. The company was founded in 1858 by George Widdicomb and later acquired by his son David in 1873. Knowing the different eras and ownership changes can assist in narrowing down the date of manufacture.
6. Keep an eye out for any unique features or designs that indicate a specific period. For example, furniture from the Art Deco era (1920s-1930s) will have sleek, geometric shapes, while pieces from the Mid-Century Modern movement (1950s-1960s) will have clean lines and tapered legs.
7. You can also check for any maker’s marks or designer signatures on the furniture piece. Widdicomb Furniture collaborated with renowned designers like T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Paul McCobb, whose names may be stamped or engraved on the furniture.
8. Lastly, consult with experts or reference books to gather more information and confirm your findings. The more you know about Widdicomb Furniture, the easier it will be to date and appreciate its unique designs and history.
Following these considerations will help you accurately date Widdicomb Furniture and add to your knowledge of this renowned furniture company. Keep in mind that the dating process may vary depending on the piece, and it’s always best to gather as much information as possible before making any conclusions. Happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Widdicomb Furniture?
Widdicomb Furniture was a renowned furniture manufacturer that manufactured high-end and luxury furniture from the late 19th century until the mid-1980s.
The company originally started as a small carpenter shop in 1858 by George Widdicomb, but it grew into a large-scale furniture manufacturer with showrooms across the United States.
How Can I Identify Widdicomb Furniture?
Widdicomb Furniture pieces are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, unique designs, and high-quality materials.
The furniture is usually marked with a label or stamp that includes the Widdicomb name, logo, and sometimes the location of manufacture. Other identifying features include intricate carvings, dovetail joints, and hand-painted details.
How Can I Date Widdicomb Furniture?
Dating Widdicomb Furniture can be a bit tricky, as the company used different methods of marking their furniture over the years. However, some general guidelines can help you narrow down the period when a piece was manufactured.
For example, early pieces from the late 19th century may have a paper label or brand stamp with the Widdicomb name, while later pieces from the 1920s and beyond may have a metal tag or stencil mark.
What Styles of Furniture Did Widdicomb Produce?
Widdicomb Furniture is known for its high-quality and luxurious pieces in a variety of styles. The company produced everything from traditional Victorian-style furniture to Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern designs.
Widdicomb also collaborated with prominent designers and architects, such as T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Frank Lloyd Wright, to create unique and innovative furniture pieces.
Conclusion
Knowing how to date widdicomb furniture can help you determine the value, rarity, and historical significance of a piece. It is also important to note that Widdicomb Furniture went through several ownership changes throughout its history, so the production methods and styles may vary depending on the period.
Overall, Widdicomb Furniture remains a highly sought-after brand among collectors and enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and timeless designs. So, keep an eye out for those Widdicomb labels and markings when shopping for vintage furniture pieces! Happy hunting!
