How to Identify Philadelphia-Style Furniture

Antique enthusiasts have a passion for Philadelphia-style furniture--wooden pieces produced by one of several famous Philadelphia cabinet-makers during the Victorian era. Identifying Philadelphia-style requires a trained eye, but even if you're not an expert, the following criteria should help you figure out whether you're looking at antique furniture produced in the City of Brotherly Love.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find out what furniture maker produced the antique. Famous Philadelphia-style furniture makers from the high Victorian era include Allen and Brother, George J. Henkels, Anna and Henry Lejambre, Thomas Moore and Joseph Campion, Daniel Pabst, and Gottlieb Vollmer. If the antique furniture is marked with any of these names, it's probably a Philadelphian antique--assuming the mark is authentic.

2. Note the date and place where the furniture was produced. The movement of Philadelphia-style furniture took place in the mid to late 1800s. Addresses listing Philadelphia are a giveaway, but only if the design elements suggest Philadelphia style. Not all furniture produced in Philadelphia is "Philadelphia style," especially if they weren't made during the Victorian age.

3. Look for ornate, Renaissance-influenced details like scrolls, tendrils and carvings. A curtain rod motif is a classic Allen and Brother design element. Greek, Egyptian and French influences are also typical in Philadelphia-style furniture.

4. Research the work of famous Philadelphia furniture makers by viewing photographs of your work. After viewing multiple images, you'll get a feel for their style--so you'll suspect you're in the presence of a Daniel Pabst original if you should encounter one at an antique shop.

5. Take pictures of furniture you suspect is Philadelphia style and ask an antiques appraiser to verify whether the piece is authentic before making a purchase. If you're a serious antiques hunter, it might be worthwhile to pay an appraiser to accompany you to auctions and markets where you'll encounter many antiques.

[rwebersold]

on 7/4/2009 I also have a chair by Klages, Roach & Co. The mark cites their address as 239 N Water St Phila. (verbatim), and has 125 stamped under it. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[lkotowicz]

on 11/21/2008 We have furniture made by Klages Roach & Co of Philadelphia in the 19th century. We are trying to find out more about it.