Beginners Guide to Buying Country Antique Furniture

With the foliage nearing an end in the southern New England States,  leaf peepers and antique hunters follow the trails north to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.   As I travel further north the antiques in my friends' homes as well as those for sale in quaint shops that are unique to the northern states begin to reflect simple lines and handcrafting from an earlier time in our countrys' history.  I  never met anyone who has not included a few good quality country antique pieces into their decorating sceme, regardless of the primary period style of their home.

The easiest room to add country antiques is the kitchen. A ladder back chair, a handmade and hand painted stool, a tole ware pitcher to set upon the kitchen table. The bedroom provides another area that easily adapts to the addition of a country antique piece.  The bedroom can be decorated with a handmade sampler that has be framed in a country style frame. Early toys and dolls, even  hand made hooked rugs fit nicely and will blend nicely with a more modern décor. 

When you find an antique country piece it is important to examine it in a well lit area. That may mean asking to take the piece outside in the natural light.  Running your hands over the wood of a piece can help you to distinguish if some parts have been replaced.  Also look for wear in obvious spots.  Handles, ends of doors should show wear, whereas the center of door should not have been touched much and not become discolored from the oils in hands or worn from constant touch.  Check for inconsistencies in construction , such as in the dovetailing of drawers and joints.  If there are differences it suggests the piece is a marriage, that is two different pieces have been joined to make one piece. Marriages can also be seen when a piece has woods that are not quite the same grain, or when the lines of the bottom of a cabinet do not appear to match the dimensions and style of the bottom of the cabinet. 

Knowing that phillip head screws are a modern invention and that old nails were flat on top and made of iron will help you to identify authentic county pieces. All genuine antiques are not equally valuable.  Some craftsmen were more skilled than others and their work is more valuable.  However, if a piece is pleasing to your eye and is at an affordable price point, haul out the packing blankets and be confident  in your selection.

Can't wait to cozy up and start my new book.  Anyone have an antique quilt available?

 

 

Till next time, stay safe, stay happy



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