How to Determine the Value of 19th Century American Country Furniture
Determining the value of 19th-century American country furniture depends on many factors. The value of American country-style furniture began to increase when a few savvy collectors discovered its merits during the 1920s and 1930s. By the late 1970s through the early 1980s, items associated with 19th-century American country, from ladder-backed chairs to mustard-grain-painted cupboards, were in high demand.
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Instructions
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Define 19th-century American country furniture. American country-style furniture was first influenced by various European styles. However, as pioneers and farmers moved westward during the 19th century, American country furniture developed its own distinct style. Eventually, this simple but versatile furniture became known as Country, Cottage or Primitive, Shaker, Pennsylvania Dutch or New England, depending on its degree of ornate style (or lack thereof). Because the lifestyles of these early settlers required travel and small living quarters, the once popular large, heavy, decorative European style evolved into American country by addressing a need for simplicity and functionality rather than design.
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Determine the quality. Many factors affect the value of 19th-century American country furniture. Although guidelines exist, consult qualified appraisers. Quality is an important element when determining value. Craftsmanship, techniques, materials, finish, engravings, documents and other clues provide information to confirm an item's authenticity. Each piece of furniture has its own story, validating its historic significance. Craftsmen used wood indigenous to the region. Country furniture made in Tennessee and Kentucky used cherry for outer panels and tulip poplar for secondary wood on shelves and inside drawers. Some well-crafted pieces combined two or more different wood species. Examine the finish and the construction of the piece. Milk paint mixed with lime, pigments and oils was a common finish used on country-style furniture. Mortise and tenon joints reinforced by hardwood pegs added to the quality and strength of country designs--no glue was available.
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Know other major factors. Examine the piece for characteristics common to the period and the style. Check for nail holes, which may indicate reupholsterings. Signatures or engravings may suggest the origins of the piece. The condition involves the retention of the original material. Signs of softening, darkening and missing parts also have implications for an item's value. Rarity is another key element when appraising an artifact---that is, the number of originals that were crafted during the time it was first made. Moreover, provenance or history of the piece may affect value, such as whether the craftsman is known or the buying/selling history of the piece. Finally, market trends and demand also determine the overall value for 19th-century American country furniture.
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Understand appraisals. Marsha Bemko, executive producer for PBS's "Antiques Roadshow," describes an overview of how the show conducts its appraisals. Bemko's suggestions address the guidelines not only for the show but also for the whole industry.
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Tips & Warnings
View PBS's "Antiques Roadshow," and visit the PBS website.
Do not refinish a piece.
Values can change over time.
