Art & Architecture Collection > Identifying Objects

Furniture: American

Kay, Myrna. Fake, Fraud or Genuine? Identifying Authentic American Furniture. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1987. (MOF 88-2283 Open)
Sourcebook of identification techniques, problems in construction, inspection processes and various clues to spotting fraudulently identified pieces. Covers 17th -19th century furniture. Chapter on "Technology as Evidence". Many photographs, often of test cases and their details.

Bjerkoe, Ethel Hall. The Cabinetmakers of America. Garden City: Doubleday, 1957. (MOF Front)
Introductory essay on "Cabinetmaking as it developed in America". Brief biographical sketches of cabinetmakers. Bibliography, pp. 249-252.

Butler, Joseph T. Field Guide to American Antique Furniture. New York: Facts on File, 1985. (MOF 85-2331 Front)
Using a "Systematic visual approach," traces the history of American furniture from 17th through early 20th century. 1700 illustrations -- line drawings arranged in chronological sequence by type of furniture, e.g. daybeds, sofas, chests, desks. Forms divided by style, then geographic origin.

Iverson, Marion Day. The American Chair 1630-1890. New York: Hastings House, 1957. (MOF Front)|
Illustrated essays on chairs by historic period, with sections on styles, e.g. Windsor, Queen Anne, Hepplewhite, Turned Chairs. Appendix on museums and historic houses with significant holdings.

Sack, Albert. The New Fine Points of Furniture: Early American. New York: Crown Publishers, 1993. (MOF 94-1201 Front)
Uses illustrated examples to show the reader good, superior and finest quality furniture pieces. Explains details about construction and ornamental features.

Semowich, Charles J. American Furniture Craftsmen Working Prior to 1920: An Annotated Bibliography. Westport:
Greenwood Press, 1984. (MOF 84-3202 Open)
Allows access to useful biographical information in more obscure sources. Alphabetical lists by craftsmen's names of works about individuals; works about groups of craftsmen; general works; trade catalogs; craftsman-biographical index referring to numbered citations in first section; author-title index; subject index.

Subject Headings:

     FURNITURE; FURNITURE--ATTRIBUTION
     FURNITURE--STYLES; FURNITURE, DUTCH COLONIAL
     FURNITURE FINISHING
     FURNITURE WORKERS.