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How can you tell the age of a dresser?

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How can you tell the age of a dresser?

How to Determine the Age of Antique Furniture

  1. Look Past the Style of a Piece.
  2. Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs.
  3. Check for Perfectly Matching Elements.
  4. Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used.
  5. Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric.
  6. Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware.

How do you date an old chest of drawers?

If the handles are original it will give a very good indication of the age of the chest. A pear drop handle will suggest the chest will be William and Mary or Queen Anne period whereas a swan neck handle would be found on pieces that post date 1750. Drawer mouldings will also give an indication of the age of the chest.

How do I know if I have a chest of drawers?

Turn the piece over and examine the bottom of the chest of drawers for a paper label or stamp. Look at the back side of the chest of drawers and inside all the drawers. A label or stamp often contains the name of the company that made the chest of drawers and, in some cases, lists the year or city of manufacture.

When did Waring and Gillow start making furniture?

In 1932 the company was registered as Waring & Gillow (1932) Ltd and the fiche attached to the furniture claimed that their Lancaster factory was opened in 1695 [Item of furniture in the possession of this writer].

Where to find the Gillows stamp on furniture?

The Gillows stamp can sometimes be seen under table tops, on the top edges of drawers, on the back legs of chairs or sometimes the signature would be written in pencil under drawer linings by the cabinet makers of the firm.

Can you tell if a piece of furniture is Gillows?

The sign of a genuine Gillows piece of furniture. Unfortunately a very large portion of Gillows furniture was not stamped so you see many pieces associated to Gillows, due to the style, and design.

What to do with old chest of drawers?

You can usually knock them off with a hammer, but if they’re firmly attached, it’s better to saw them off. Once they’re gone, remove the glue and flatten the surface by planing or sanding. The drawer dividers take a beating from use, which shows as worn-in grooves.A new,more durable wear surface is a must.