Convertible furniture was 19th century innovation

#MiddleburyCT #Antiques

The 19th century was a time of innovation in wooden furniture. New inventions, such as the jigsaw, and construction methods, such as mass production, opened up previously unheard-of possibilities for architects and designers.

This combination desk and chair sold for $1,586 at Neal Auction in New Orleans. It is attributed to Stephen Hedges, who patented the design in 1854. (Kovels.com)

One such designer was Stephen Hedges of New York, whose patent for a “combined table and chair,” filed in April 1854, can be viewed online in Google Patents. His invention appears to be a small round table, but, with half the hinged tabletop folded back, opens into a desk joined to a semicircular chair. One example made of mahogany with leather upholstery and attributed to Hedges sold at Neal Auction in New Orleans for $1,586.

This style of convertible desk and chair is sometimes known as an “Aaron Burr desk” after the third vice president of the United States. As often happens when a style is associated with a historical figure, it isn’t based on a true story. An article published in 1911 claimed that not only did Burr own a desk like this, but it had also been designed specifically for him to accommodate his short height. That article apparently did not account for the fact Burr died nearly 20 years before Hedges filed his patent!

Q: I’ve noticed that Waterford crystal vases, candlesticks and clocks seem to be selling for very low prices on internet marketplaces. I seem to be getting bargains. I recently bought a small Waterford clock for $25. But why is this happening?

A: Waterford crystal was first made in 1783 in the Irish city of Waterford. In 1986, Waterford bought Wedgwood and formed the Waterford Wedgwood Group. It became part of WWRD Holdings in 2009. WWRD was bought by Fiskars in 2015. Waterford and Wedgwood are now brands owned by Fiskars. What you are witnessing is the normal ebb and flow of collecting. Many items that used to sell for high prices – like Bakelite jewelry 15 years ago – are now selling for a lot less. Waterford is at a low ebb. But remember what we say about collecting: You should collect what you love. Don’t collect things to predict the future and expect to make money.

TIP: Experts say you should keep your wooden furniture clean and dust free. Wax or polish it once a year and don’t let it dry out.

Current Prices
Doll, Kenner, Strawberry Shortcake, Almond Tea, purple wig, painted face, purple eyes, yellow and purple outfit, yellow petal hat, Marza Panda pet, box, 1982, 7 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches, $45.
Art glass vase, violet, molded, amber rim and circular foot, labels, Hank Adams, Blenko, 13 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, pair, $90.
Sports card, baseball, World Series Batting Foes, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Topps, No. 418, 1958, $235.
Pottery dish, Santa Clara, blackware, carved interior, Avanyu water serpent figure around rim, signed, Severa Tafoya, 8 3/4 inches, $705.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.