How do I identify early American furniture?

To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.

What is the early American furniture style called?

The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.

Early American Desk

Drop Front Writing Desk

18th Century Slant Desk

Federal Mahogany Desk

Antique Desk Accessories

American Chippendale

American Studio Craft Furniture

American Indian Bronze

Tiffany Indian

Early American Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the early American desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and mahogany, every early American desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the early American desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An early American desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Industrial styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one early American desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Tiffany Studios, J.E. Caldwell Co. and Singer produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Early American Desk?

An early American desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,321, while the lowest priced sells for $140 and the highest can go for as much as $58,000.

Questions About Early American Desk

How do I identify early American furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.
What is the early American furniture style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.