Does anyone know of a good online resource for identifying a piece of furniture in terms of style and possibly maker?
I’ve got a mahogany coffee table with an inlaid gold tooled leather top. The drawers have irregular dovetail joinery, but the remainder is doweled (only exception is that the apron is attached with brass flat head screws). The legs are tapered and have stamped brass hardware. The drawer bottom is solid wood vs. plywood. It also has some applied detail at the top of the legs where the apron meets the leg.
I can find no marking on it that would indicate maker.
There is a shelf on it that has fallen (dowel broke and split shelf panel). The shelf is made out of mahogany plywood and seems out of character with the wood in the remainder of the piece (no other plywood)but is perfectly color matched.
In the end, I’m just looking to see if the shelf actually belongs on that table or it was a later addition.
Any help is appreciated.
-Jason
Edited 8/14/2009 12:44 pm ET by srtjase
Replies
They didn't make coffee tables in the early days. It's likely a 20th century piece. Unless something is marked, you will have a hard time identifying the maker. It could be a factory piece, done by hobbyist or small shop. Probably a moot point other than satisfying your curiosity. It can't be a period piece so it would only be "in the style of".
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Can you provide us with some photos? That could help us identify it. Also, if you know what time period it came from, look for an apraiser who specializes in that period.
I agree with Hammer--probably a nice piece of furniture, but unlikely to have been made by an individual furniture maker. The "style" is usually determined by the shape of the legs and any foot detail.
A picture would be helpful.
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