‘Adam style’ developed by two brothers

#Middlebury #Antiques

The auction described the settee as “in the Adam taste,” but an online search for the words won’t explain what that means. When it says “Chippendale style” in a catalog, it means it is a reproduction made long after the original pieces designed and made by Thomas Chippendale in the 18th century.

Caned arms, back and seat make this settee a little different. It was made in the 19th century in the “Adam taste.” Neal Auction Co. in New Orleans sold it for $1,250.

“Adam taste” is even more confusing. There were two Adam brothers who died in the 1790s. Their work is now called the “style of the Brothers Adam” or “Adam style.” It was popular in the late 1760s. The brothers designed the building, then designed and made all the furnishings, including fireplace mantels, fixtures, fittings, carpets and, of course, furniture. The look spread to Scotland and Russia, and inspired Federal style in the United States.

The brothers admired and adapted the classical designs of Greece and Rome. They wrote a book with their engraved designs, which made their ideas available to everyone. Pastel color combinations of green, blue, yellow, lilac, pink and terra-cotta were possible with new, affordable, lighter paint colors. The rooms had classical scenes on the walls along with swags, ribbons and plaques. The pictured settee in the style of the Brothers Adam is made in a simple shape of paint-decorated satinwood with a caned back, arms and seat. It sold for $1,250.

Q: As a young boy, my husband received a Popeye doorstop. He’s had it since about 1939. It says “1929, King Feature SYN” on it. Can you tell us anything about it and its worth? It’s certainly a keepsake!

A: Popeye first appeared in 1929 in a comic strip called “Thimble Theatre.” The character and the comic strip were created by Elzie Crisler Segar and distributed by King Features Syndicate. Popeye became a hit with readers and is still a popular character. He has appeared in comic books, cartoons, a full-length movie featuring Robin Williams as Popeye, on a postage stamp, and on toys and novelty items.

The Popeye doorstop was made by Hubley Manufacturing Company, which was in business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from 1894 to 1965. The date on your doorstop is the copyright date for the character, not the date it was made. Popeye collectibles are sought after and bring high prices. The value of your doorstop is about $2,000 if the paint is in good condition.

Current Prices
Peters & Reed vase, brown, green, vines, column shape, 12 inches, $15.
Tile, horse, brown, rider, red tunic, falcon in hand, blue band, flowers, white, Persia, 8-3/4 x 5-1/4 inches, $60.
Shaving mug, cut-glass prism pattern, ray-cut base, sterling silver rim, Meriden, 3-1/4 inches, $180.
Stoneware, jar, Martaban, mask loop handles, oval body, dragon, clouds, iron stand, glazed, 35 x 42 inches, $440.

TIP: Don’t sticky-tape a top on a teapot. The decoration may come off with the tape. Secure a top with dental wax or earthquake wax.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.

© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.