Antique Glossary
See Paw foot .
See Dovetail .
The marks stamped on silver or gold objects when passed at assay (the test for quality).
A triangular table with a triangular drop leaf that becomes square when the leaf is raised
See Porcelain .
Porcelain made using the ancient Chinese combination of kaolin and petuntse
A piece of furniture which has a rising part composed of a box-like structure, fitted with drawers or small receptacles concealed in the body of the furniture and made to rise by means of weights. This is most commonly found in tables, but can also be found in some desks, particularly Davenports .
A hybrid table, which essentially combines a card and tea table, and has been created by means of a series of folding tops. Sometimes known as a triple-top table.
A long narrow table with two narrow drop leaves supported on pull-out lopers.
The style period from 1780-1795. His Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer's Guide, published in 1788, was widely influential.
A two-part case piece. The upper consisting of three or four layers drawers, the lower of one or two layers of drawers raised on legs.
This is a term applied to an extension at the top of a cabriole leg which continues into, and joins, the rail above, usually a seat rail. Furthermore, it's a feature usually only found on better quality pieces. Hipped is also used in reference to the protuberance sometimes found at the top of the flared legs of a C19th centre-support table.
A narrow slatted bed, often spool turned, produced in quantity by factories in the Midwest and New England between about 1840 and 1890. Despite its name, it was designed as cottage furniture, not for servants.
A blue-and-white china made in Staffordshire for the American market from about 1820 to 1840. The pattern shows American scenes or historical events surrounded by a flowered border. Each factory had its own border, but the same scenes were copied by many factories. English scenes were also produced, but it is the American ones that are most eagerly collected. "Second period" historical blue was popular from about 1850 to 1920. It showed a greater number of scenes, many of which were specially printed as souveniers for the growing tourist trade. It is often printed in a lighter blue than the deep cobalt of the first period, is easier to find, cheaper, and widely collected.