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How to Identify Early American Furniture

The earliest American-made furniture is believed to date back to about 1650. Consider that the pressing need to provide food and shelter often left little time for settlers of the New World to focus on elaborate craftsmanship. Therefore, the earliest pieces of American furniture are often characterized by simplicity and sturdiness.

Instructions

- 1
  Note that many early tables were large. Trestle tables had a horizontal wooden bar, and some were more than eight feet long. The tables were designed for easy storage and often had removable tops and removable vertical supports.
- 2
  Look for blanket or storage chests made of oak or pine. They are among the most widely available surviving pieces of the period. For example, the Hartford chest is attributed to furniture maker Nicholas Disbrowe of Hartford, Connecticut. The chest typically has a middle panel that features a sunflower carving along with two tulip-and-leaf-scrolled side panels, and it has two drawers.
- 3
  Consider that beds in early settlements were made of oak, maple or pine. The daybed was a late 17th-century novelty. Early daybeds had adjustable backs and eight legs connected by wooden rails.
- 4
  Research the work of principal, early American furniture makers, taking note of their styles and the pieces they typically made. Some noted furniture makers of the period include mahogany cabinet maker John Goddard of Newport, Rhode Island. Thomas Dennis of Ipswich, Connecticut, was a joiner and chest maker. Connecticut cabinet maker John Townsend was known for block-front style pieces, and he was a friend of Goddard.

Antiquing