Help Identifying Bedroom Furniture

The shell marquetry motif was found on just about all Edwardian Sheraton Revival furniture big enough to fit one in. Search Sheraton Revival for many examples. The drawer pulls are also typical. If those screw heads showing are holding drawer pulls the furniture is 100% 20th C, not earlier. Federal is an American style that roughly equates to British Regency. None of this is that period.
It is veneered in mahogany on a cheaper wood carcass and probably French polished.

The US furniture market is not something I know much about, round here you'd get very little as there is more of it about than people want. It's not uncommon, if you sell the house, you just leave it for the next owners.

 

Hello,

What an excellent response. Now, I certainly know more. I looked up the things you mentioned and found examples I had not seen before. A good education. I didn't find the exact Marquetry Shell, but what I found was absolutely close enough. And, yes, the drawer pulls are original, as well as the screws.

So, If I try to sell this set I should refer to it as an "Edwardian Sheraton Revival Bedroom Set 20th C with Marquetry Shell Inlay and Mahogany Veneers." Sound reasonable?

And, do you have any idea the time period on this? Others have mention 1930-1940. Also, I am not sure, but were you implying this is a European Style as apposed to an American Style? And, oh... the drawer wood... are you able to identify it?

Sorry to ask so many questions.. I feel like a kid with a puppy! LOL!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Mike

 

Not really that simple. Furniture styles are and were quite international, and US makers would be copying European styles for the same reason American styles influenced so many other countries later in the century. They just thought, 'It's the latest thing in Europe, let's make some'. And they'd keep making it till some other style popped up on the popular style radar.

But a funny thing happened. Europe was wracked with war and revolution in the second decade, so no new styles emerged till the 1920s, hence US makers carried on making stuff that was a bit 'old fashioned' for longer than it was made in quantity in Europe.
Just add the word 'Style' to your title, style covers a multitude of sins and blurs dates nicely.

Thus your stuff could well be 1920s or even 30s or later in actual manufacture.

Carcass wood was usually anything substantially cheaper than the finish veneer, but it is not really important. All it needs to be is stable.

Just do not expect much money. Old stuff is not fashionable or you would be keen to keep it for yourself and you'd chuck out some modern things to make room for it.

The only stuff that makes any good money is the stuff you do not want to part with.

 

Hello again,

Another wonderful reply. What an interesting history. I can actually understand what took place as you explained it very well. INTERESTING INDEED! Thank you so much.

As for getting rid of my more modern stuff, I hear you. I don't have much left now and am working on it. I spent 15 years downsizing from an extremely large home (22 rooms) and have since been in a small townhouse. Not much furniture left as I am thinking about going on the road. Why, I am not sure, but we have always wanted to do it.

The office does have some more modern pieces mixed in to make the space function with my older KITTENGER DESK and CREDENZA. Picked that up free 25 years ago from someone who moved and had no room. They tried to refinish it, but that was ok with me. I just took it anyway. And, that room will be up for sale soon too. And, there's a small living space to work on.

Aside from this, I have boxes of other stuff that need to be sorted. I don't know if there is any value in any of it, but like I sold everything from my main house, I will plug away at it. I actually enjoy the process and have met great people and learned a lot. Seems old china, dolls, jewelry and silver sell well, along with art and tools. Also sold quite a lot of metal statuary from Tibet and China from my Uncle. I have a small amount of coins and stamps left and some other things. And, all the other furniture is already gone.

While we are talking antiques here, it is surprising what people value, why and what they will buy. I once had a guy contact me looking for a pencil. He saw one in a box I had just sold and was beside himself. He gave me $100 for a half of a pencil dated 1956 and chewed on. It reminded him of First Grade and he bid up the price until he got it. Couldn't understand it, until he shared his stories. Then I saw his sentiment.

Well, that is it. I really love the history you shared; very interesting. I can certainly understand why people collect antiques and how rewarding it all can be to be dealing with them day in and day out. And, I have a real sense of how the furniture I presented came about. Even though it isn't valuable, it has its place in history and I like that. And, I certainly have liked the people I have met along the way of this inquiry!

So, I guess that's it. I cannot say THANK YOU enough for all you and others contributed.

Mike

 

Hello Everyone,

This is a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who stopped by to HELP or simply encourage with a LIKE. This was my first post and I had wonderful results. Folks here are absolutely priceless in their knowledge, generosity and friendliness. And, I found this was a very uplifting experience.

Mike

 

Mike,

I didn't see anything different to change my assessment. Much of this mahogany furniture in the US is post-war so, hence, the 40s date. It is possible that it is earlier but I doubt it. It is not Edwardian, which would put it to very early 20th century. As Af so eloquently stated in his post, what we did here was not necessarily what they did across the pond as far as time frames go. As for the shell motif, it is a common inlay and you may want to check yours carefully to see if it is really inlay. Later production pieces such as yours often used a decal. If it is a real inlay, it is a sign of better quality furniture in general.

 

Hi Mike -
I think you got better replies from AF and Brad than I could give you.

Don't know if you saw up in the very top of the page, right side
https://www.stampexchange.com/

This is run by Peter, who started this forum. I have not been on it, but imagine the people will probably be as helpful as you have found here.

Love the story about you and the cat playing tag. Mine aren't that playful. Two are 18, another is a stalker and the last hides wherever she can. (probably because of the stalker).

 

Hello again,

So nice of you to lend more support. The history and background is all very interesting! I took the time to check the motifs. It is very hard to tell. Is there a technique for determining this; if they are inlay or decal? Is there anything in particular to look for?

Mike

 

For coins and stamps I am reasonably expert, and davey knows his coins as well.

 

Hi there,

Nice to hear from you again today. I think your replies have been great! But, I have to admit that AF and Brad are incredible.

I did see the stamp exchange and THANK YOU for the encouragement. I am thinking that I may say HI there someday with my stamps.

For now, I am glad you love my cat tag stories. Though watching my cat pull warm socks over his head is quite the cute!

Sounds like your household of creatures are mature and sophisticated, with a twist of unrefined sleuth and scardy cat! Perhaps you could play some Sherlock Holmes videos for Stalker. This may be an intrigue to develop into a cool supper sleuth and leave scardy cat alone!

Thanks again,
Mike

 

Hello!

Thank you for letting me know.

I don't know what I have left, but am interested in finding out.

I appreciate you reaching out to help!

Mike