American Antique Furniture v 2
Edgar Miller

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Since its publication in 1937, this two-volume work has been the standard introduction and practical guide to the identification of American antique furniture of all styles and periods prior to 1840. The author was a jurist by profession, but by inclination, a lifelong collector of fine antiques. As an amateur collector, he became increasingly aware of the pitfalls of inexperienced selection, and at last compiled this book to assist other amateurs through these difficulties.The book is organized around an unusally comprehensive collection of 2,115 illustrations. Most of these are photographs, taken under the author's supervision in the 148 private homes he visited in preparation for this book. The illustrations are arranged in chronological order in chapters on chairs, sofas, chests, highboys, lowboys, desks, sideboards, bedsteads, mirrors, tables, clocks, and other articles. Each chapter therefore yields its own pictorial history, showing numerous fine examples of the article in Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Empire and other styles. Throughout, the emphasis is on furniture commonly found on the market, omitting the rarest pieces and including simpler items not usually covered in books on antiques.The text points out the interesting features of each illustrated piece, and the opening chapters and long appendix give.the reader a wide background of general information. Furniture styles are characterized, the woods generally used are detailed, and such parts and accessories as the cabriole leg, different types of feet, brass mountings, knobs, and hinges are defined and described. Methods of faking antiques and common practices of unscrupulous dealers are discussed at length. Notes list an extensive number of books and magazine articles for supplementary reading.