Question 1

What were safes made from in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1800s, safes were usually made of metal like tin plating or sheet iron. Fireproofing the safes proved difficult, and during the 1820s, specific mixtures of materials such as mica, potash lye and alum were used to line a safe’s interior in order to prevent its contents from succumbing to fire damage. Shop a collection of safes on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Were there safes in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there were safes in the 1800s. Historical records indicate that by 1820, some companies used safes to protect goods from fire. Following market campaigns in the 1840s, more companies and individuals began to purchase safes as an anti-theft measure. Shop a variety of safes on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.

Question 4

What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?

Accepted Answer

The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.

Question 5

Were there cannons in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Was there glass in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the most important painting of the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?

Accepted Answer

Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 14

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 15

What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?

Accepted Answer

17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

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 17

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.

19th Century Safes

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cabinets

Cast Iron Floor Safe by E. Cotterill Co., England, 1870

Antique Mid-19th Century French Romantic Cabinets

Vaissier, Black Patina Steel and Lacquered Wood Safe, circa 1850

Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co. Aesthetic Movement Sterling Match Safe Raindrop-Shagreen Pattern

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Cabinets

Small Victorian Meilink s Home Vault Railroad Safe Heavy Black Iron Nightstand

Antique Mid-19th Century British Blanket Chests

Antique Strongbox, English, Cast Iron, Safe, Deposit Case, Victorian, Circa 1850

Antique Late 19th Century French Decorative Boxes

Antique Bauche Incombustible Cast Iron Safe from Northeastern France, Circa 1870

Antique Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Repoussé Match Safe / Vesta by George Shiebler, 1890s

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Trunks and Luggage

19th Century French Cast Iron Bound Strong Box by Bauche, c.1870

Antique 19th Century French Blanket Chests

19th Century Safe

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

French 19th Century Safe

Antique 19th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

19th Century Safe Box

Antique 19th Century English Boxes

19th Century Antique Milners Fire Resistant Safe

Antique 19th Century American Decorative Objects

Industrial Steel Hobnail Safe by Delano

Antique 19th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Georgian Style Decorative Working Safe

Antique 19th Century French Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Food Safe nantes 19th Century

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

19th Century Iron Safe

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

19th Century French Safe

Antique 19th Century French Cabinets

19th Century French Safe

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Cabinets

Late 19th Century Dutch Iron Safe

Antique 19th Century Belgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th Century Belgian Iron Safe

Antique 19th Century Portuguese Cabinets

Polychrome Colonial Safe, circa 19th Century

Antique Early 19th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Early 19th Century French Riveted Iron Safe Trunk

20th Century Portuguese Wardrobes and Armoires

19th Century Colonial Two-Door Iron Safe

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

Marine Iron Safe, circa 19th Century, French

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

Marine Iron Safe, circa 19th Century, French

Antique 19th Century French Cabinets

19th Century Iron Safe from Piedmont, Italy

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Cabinets

Incredible 19th Century Iron Safe by Gangnebien, Paris

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

Ship s safe

Antique 19th Century American Cabinets

Pie safe

Antique 19th Century American Cupboards

Pie Safe

Antique 19th Century American Cabinets

Southern Pie Safe

Antique 19th Century American Cabinets

19th c. Pie Safe with Mesh Screen

Antique 19th Century French More Furniture and Collectibles

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

Antique 19th Century American Decorative Objects

Hobnail Safe

Antique 19th Century French Cabinets

INDUSTRIAL SAFE

Antique 19th Century Cupboards

Pie Safe

Antique 19th Century American More Furniture and Collectibles

HOBNAIL SAFE

Antique 19th Century American Cabinets

Hobnail Safe

Antique 19th Century Portuguese Napoleon III Wardrobes and Armoires

Rare 19th Century Colonial Iron and Wood Safe Strong Box Napoleon III

Antique 1810s Italian Louis XVI Secretaires