#Middlebury #Antiques
The major furniture styles used in the United States have names, some for royalty, others for talented designers and cabinetmakers. But by the 1900s, furniture was named for styles of art. Starting in the 1600s, there was Pilgrim, William and Mary (English King and Queen); Queen Anne (also English royalty); Chippendale (Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker); and American Federal, which included the American designs and pieces similar to Sheraton and Hepplewhite (Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite, English cabinetmakers).
This unusual chair is one of a pair of Moorish chairs offered in a recent auction. The design was inspired by furniture from many countries and would make a good accent piece in a plain modern room.
By the 1800s, furniture was designed and named for political changes, including Empire, Victorian and many revival styles that copied earlier ones. The 1900s had Mission (also called Arts and Crafts), Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Modern (also called Contemporary). The United States had many other less important design influences, and these were named for the countries that inspired them: Japan, Egypt, the Shakers and even what is called Moorish style, a mixture of Turkish, Spanish and Arabian designs.
Decorators today like to have an “accent piece” in a plain contemporary room; something that is unique or at least very unfamiliar. Recently a pair of Moorish chairs were in an auction in New Orleans. They were made in the unfamiliar style and were carved, ebonized and had mother-of-pearl inlay. The backs were pierced with scrolled crests, and seat fronts that looked like small picket fences. The pair of unusual chairs were estimated at $1,200 to $1,800.
Q: We inherited a Handel lamp with a painted glass shade and are interested in finding out its value so we can sell it. It has a small amount of damage, but the lamp itself works. What do you think it’s worth?
A: Handel lamps in good condition can sell for over several thousand dollars. Reverse-painted shades sell for the highest prices, but even a bronze Handel lamp base without the shade can sell for a few hundred dollars or more. Most Handel lamps are marked. Look for marks on the base, rim and inside the bottom of the shade. If you find a four-digit number code on the shade, you may be able to find the value online. However, damaged shades are hard to sell. Reproduction Handel shades have been made and are of little value.
Current Prices
Cut glass, bowl, hobstars, alternating with divided diamonds, stars, rayed starts, 4 x 9 inches, $20.
Settee, Louis XV, cherry, serpentine back, two cushions, reeded arms, cabriole legs, 34 1/2 x 55 inches, $185.
Lamp, electric, glass, opalescent, nude woman, seated in waves, shell at back, footed, 23 x 13 inches, $310.
Rug, needlepoint, 20 blocks, animals, linen fold border, brown, 7 ft. 3 in. x 9 ft. 2 inches, $660.
TIP: Do not light a closed cabinet filled with glass with light bulbs over 25 watts. Stronger bulbs generate too much heat. Some new types of bulbs are brighter and give off less heat.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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