Colonial Williamsburg Licensed Reproduction Co. Furniture

Questions About Colonial Williamsburg Licensed Reproduction Co. Furniture

• How do you identify Colonial furniture?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024

  To identify Colonial furniture, first look the piece over from top to bottom. If you see any maker's marks, conduct research using trusted online resources to find out who produced your item and when the maker was in business. Pieces made in the USA between the mid-16th and mid-17th centuries are usually classified as Colonial. Should you be unable to locate a marking, the materials and style can provide clues.
  
  Most Colonial furniture was made of pine, elm, oak, mahogany or walnut wood. During the period, furniture tended to be simple overall, but it did include a few flourishes, such as turned cabriole legs. Because Colonial furniture was handcrafted, furnishings produced during the era usually have visible tool marks and slight irregularities in their carvings. Because there are numerous reproductions of Colonial pieces, you may wish to seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.
  
  On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Colonial furniture.

• How can you tell if furniture is reproduction?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  To tell if furniture is reproduction, search hidden areas, such as the undersides of tabletops and seats and the backs and drawer interiors of casegoods. Manufacturers of reproduction furniture attempt to capture the look of genuine antique and vintage pieces but aren't trying to deceive customers. As a result, they almost always mark their pieces with a maker's mark, making it easy to research the company that produced them. Once you locate this marking on your piece, use trusted online resources to learn more about the maker and find out if they're known for reproduction furniture. If you have any difficulty locating the mark or information about the manufacturer online, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a wide range of furniture on 1stDibs.