Question 1

How do you identify 18th-century furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How did art change in the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What furniture was used in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is 17th-century furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Question 6

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

Accepted Answer

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?

Accepted Answer

The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.

Question 8

What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

18th Century Federal Furniture

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Wall Mirrors

American Federal Gold Leaf Split Column Mirror

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables

PAIR Massachusetts Federal Card Tables

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Andirons

American Federal Brass Belted Double Lemon Top Andirons

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Andirons

American Federal Period Pair of Brass Belted Ball Top Andirons

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Secretaires

Small Inlaid Mahogany Federal Secretary Desk, Salem, circa 1780-1800

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Andirons

American Federal Brass Belted Ball Top 13 3/4 Inch High Andirons

Antique Late 18th Century Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables

American Federal Foldover Inlaid Mahogany Teatable with Birdseye Maple Skirt

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Knife Boxes

Pair of Late 18th Century Mahogany Knife Boxes with Conch Shell Oval Inlay

Antique Late 18th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Federal Bowfront Mahogany Chest, Pennsylvania, circa 1790

Antique 1760s American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mid-18th Century New England Maple Oxbow Chest of Drawers

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Federal Corner Cupboards

Piedmont Virginia Walnut Corner Cupboard

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Models and Miniatures

Miniature 3-Drawer Mahogany Bow-Front Chest, Mid-Atlantic, Circa:1795

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Sideboards

18th Century Federal Cherry Southern Sideboard

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Wall Mirrors

Federal New York Pier Mirror, Late 18th Century

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longca...

Late 18th C American Grandfather Clock by John Scudder, Westfield, NJ

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Knife Boxes

Pair American Mahogany Serpentine Inlaid Knife Boxes with Cutlery Interiors

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Wingback Chairs

Late 18th Century Virginia Federal Black Walnut Upholstered Wingback Chair

18th Century Federal Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a 18th Century Federal Furniture?

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