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Chippendale Authentic and Reproduced Furniture

by Karen LoBello (RSS feed) — Apr 17th 2010 3:02PM

Chippendale furniture takes its name from Thomas Chippendale, a London cabinetmaker in the 18th century. His furniture style embodied intricate carving, distinctive leg styles and fine woods such as mahogany.

John Swahn (pictured in the Philadelphia Inquirer's "Fresh, Affordable Home Ideas"), owner and master craftsman at Pennsylvania's Niki Francis Antique Restorations, shares his expertise on Chippendale furniture. He tells me there is some confusion stemming from Thomas Chippendale's 1754 book, "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director". This volume was the first of its kind on furniture manufacturing ever to be published. The book was purchased and widely used by furniture makers all over the world. Complete with drawings and designs, it became a guide to furniture building. Furniture makers were now able to reproduce Chippendale's furniture. The book greatly affected the years 1750 to 1790 and created what is known as the Chippendale period for furniture styles.

Characteristics
John believes that the best way to recognize the Chippendale style is simply to look at the man's work. The Chippendale Society, founded in England in 1963, displays pictures online of various Chippendale designs and pieces from their collection. Thomas Chippendale's taste for Chinese and Gothic as well as Louis XV rock and shell work show in his drawings and in pieces he has crafted. Although the Chippendale form is more masculine, the style shares the sweeping lines found in Queen Anne furniture. This is most recognized in the cabriole legs which are curved and usually end in a distinctive foot such as the lion's paw or the ball and claw. Chippendale employed straight leg designs as well.

Vintage Tin Signs: Decorate and Collect

by Karen LoBello (RSS feed) — Mar 20th 2010 11:01AM

Antique buyers often have specific goals in mind when purchasing vintage tin signs. There are customers who want to obtain tin signs simply for the pleasure of collecting. Other buyers are more interested in incorporating antique tin signs into their decorating motif.

Dean Ferber, owner of No Egrets Antiques and Collectibles, imparts valuable tips for consumers interested in collecting tin signs.

What to Consider
Do you have a special interest, such as antique cars? Consider augmenting a collection or a hobby with signage. Take into consideration the size and location of the space where you will display your vintage finds. Collections can be placed in bedrooms, basements, garages and even in barns. Budget and time frame are significant. Tin signs are prone to rust and are easily reproduced, so buyers must beware. Authentic tin signs range from $300 to $3000, but can soar upward depending upon rarity.

Where to Purchase
Signs are often found as a person is searching for other treasures. They can be discovered anywhere, from open air markets and eBay to upscale showrooms. Dean believes that antique malls and flea markets offer the best chance to find signs in volume. Auctions are for informed collectors with deep pockets, especially if they're well advertised in newspapers or trade magazines. Estate and garage sales are hit and miss propositions. Get there early. The process can be time consuming, yet potentially financially rewarding