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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
Comments
sterlingchef said
on 9/8/2009 We recently purchased a Klages Roach & Co. rocking chair. The above address is clearly printed under the seat with the number 596, which is most likely the "style number" of the chair. I did find a listing for the company in a 1919 publication, but nothing else. Any information would be greatly appreciated...thanks so much!
pootnbubby said
on 8/13/2009 We purchased a nine piece dining set with label "Joseph C. Rainey & Co., 228-230 South Second St., Philadelphia, PA" Handwritten on the back is 9 pc set $95.00 if purchased by December 1907 ... any info greatly appreciated!!
rwebersold said
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 said
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.