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Early American Lighting

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Early 20th. American Street Lantern
Early 20th. American Street Lantern

Early 20th. American Street Lantern

Located in Atlanta, GA

Early 20th.C. New York Parade Lantern with a cast iron post- mount fitting below (not shown

Category

Early 20th Century American Lanterns

Materials

Brass

CHANDELIER EARLY AMERICAN PRIMITIVE
CHANDELIER EARLY AMERICAN PRIMITIVE

CHANDELIER EARLY AMERICAN PRIMITIVE

Located in New York, NY

IRON SIMPLE NATURAL ELEGANCE AND PROPORTIONS

Category

Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century American Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade
Early 20th Century American Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade

Early 20th Century American Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade

Located in Atlanta, GA

Early 20th century American bronze Bouillotte lamp with tole shade Three arms New wiring.

Category

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze, Tôle

Vintage (early 20th century) American cut glass table lamp
Vintage (early 20th century) American cut glass table lamp

Vintage (early 20th century) American cut glass table lamp

Located in Bronx, NY

A splendid example of extremely fine cut-glass American table lamps. This circa 1910 beauty is

Category

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Limed Oak Column Table Lamps, American, Early 1960s
Limed Oak Column Table Lamps, American, Early 1960s

Limed Oak Column Table Lamps, American, Early 1960s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

brass base, United States, early 1960s. Measures: Height to top of socket 25 in. Base measures 4 1/2 in

Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Early American Sheffield Spindle Light Fixture (4-Light)
Early American Sheffield Spindle Light Fixture (4-Light)

Early American Sheffield Spindle Light Fixture (4-Light)

Located in Vancouver, BC

Ca. 1912 An early original light fixture fully decorated in the Sheffield pattern with matched bell

Category

Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants

Early Cedric Hartman American Modern Polished Chrome Desk Lamp
Early Cedric Hartman American Modern Polished Chrome Desk Lamp

Early Cedric Hartman American Modern Polished Chrome Desk Lamp

By Cedric Hartman

Located in Hollywood, FL

Early Cedric Hartman American modern polished chrome desk lamp with "pharmacy" shade that is

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Rare Early American Art Deco Lamp by Walter Kantack
Rare Early American Art Deco Lamp by Walter Kantack

Rare Early American Art Deco Lamp by Walter Kantack

By Walter Kantack

Located in Hoboken, NJ

height with finial, 14 ½ in. diameter (shade). A rare early American Art Deco piece, museum worthy.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Table Lamps

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Early 20th Century American Metal Bankers Desk Lamps, 1920
Pair of Early 20th Century American Metal Bankers Desk Lamps, 1920

Pair of Early 20th Century American Metal Bankers Desk Lamps, 1920

Located in London, GB

A good quality pair of early 20th century bankers lamps. Each with metal shades, square stems and

Category

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Late 19th/Early 20th Century American Swing-Arm Lamp
Late 19th/Early 20th Century American Swing-Arm Lamp

Late 19th/Early 20th Century American Swing-Arm Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Three-arm buillotte-form lamp made of solid patinated bronze. Holds 3 standard-size bulbs. Lamp can be adjusted to different positions. Lamp is supported by a weighted round, footed ...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Table Lamps

Pair of Early American Five-Light Sconces
Pair of Early American Five-Light Sconces

Pair of Early American Five-Light Sconces

Located in Georges Mills, NH

Pair of early American five-light candelabra sconces, circa 1910. Bronze; original patina. Wired

Category

Vintage 1910s American Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Early American Silver Sconce Pair with Cherubs
Early American Silver Sconce Pair with Cherubs

Early American Silver Sconce Pair with Cherubs

Located in Minneapolis, MN

exceptional, and its subject matter, in the Rococo Revival style, is quite charming. We find that early

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Rococo Revival Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Early 19th C American Dolphin Giltwood Sconces
Early 19th C American Dolphin Giltwood Sconces

Early 19th C American Dolphin Giltwood Sconces

Located in Charleston, SC

A pair of dolphin sconces made of carved wood gilt featuring two candle arms. Dolphin-form items are rare and highly demanded among collector's.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century English or American Holophane Dish Light
Early 20th Century English or American Holophane Dish Light

Early 20th Century English or American Holophane Dish Light

By Holophane

Located in London, GB

Mounted with antiqued brass fittings. Currently electrified for the UK.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Industrial Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

American Arts & Crafts Chandelier, Slag Glass, Nautical Design, Early 20th c
American Arts & Crafts Chandelier, Slag Glass, Nautical Design, Early 20th c

American Arts & Crafts Chandelier, Slag Glass, Nautical Design, Early 20th c

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

American Arts & Crafts Chandelier with Slag Glass, nautical design with sailboats & seashore

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Cut Glass Lamp, American
Cut Glass Lamp, American

Cut Glass Lamp, American

Unavailable|$3,000

Cut Glass Lamp, American

Located in Bronx, NY

This dramatic cut glass lamp is a superb example of the superior quality of American cut glass

Category

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Pair of American Cast Iron Entry Lights
Pair of American Cast Iron Entry Lights

Pair of American Cast Iron Entry Lights

By A. Belokopytoff

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of large American cast iron entry lights with scorlling bases and ornate cast frames for glass

Category

Early 20th Century American Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Early 20th Century Hanging Theater Bowls
Pair of Early 20th Century Hanging Theater Bowls

Pair of Early 20th Century Hanging Theater Bowls

Located in Chestnut Hill, MA

. The bowls are completely opaque, so all lighting is reflected up to ceiling. Minor chipping on top

Category

Early 20th Century North American Egyptian Revival Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Plaster

GILDED CAST BRASS AMERICAN CYLINDER LANTERN CIRCA 1920, WITH ORI
GILDED CAST BRASS AMERICAN CYLINDER LANTERN CIRCA 1920, WITH ORI

GILDED CAST BRASS AMERICAN CYLINDER LANTERN CIRCA 1920, WITH ORI

Located in New York, NY

GILDED CAST BRASS AMERICAN CYLINDER LANTERN CIRCA 1920, WITH ORIGINAL GLASS INSERT

Category

Early 20th Century American Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Antique American Pan Light Fixture ‘Four-Light’
Antique American Pan Light Fixture ‘Four-Light’

Antique American Pan Light Fixture ‘Four-Light’

Located in Vancouver, BC

Unusual American light fixture with Sheffield pattern and original high-low finish, circa 1918. The

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Chandeliers and Pendants

Early Bradley & Hubbard Sconce with Shades
Early Bradley & Hubbard Sconce with Shades

Early Bradley & Hubbard Sconce with Shades

Located in Minneapolis, MN

that early antique lighting was designed as objects of art and we treat each fixture with careful

Category

Early 20th Century North American American Craftsman Wall Lights and Sco...

Materials

Brass

Striking Early Electric Crystal Pendant Fixture
Striking Early Electric Crystal Pendant Fixture

Striking Early Electric Crystal Pendant Fixture

Located in Chestnut Hill, MA

A crystal pendant fixture with an unusual form for the period. The frame is silver plate with three interior lights. Visible repairs on one of the spears and on the bottom cup, as sh...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Silver

20th.C American Industrial Light Fixture
20th.C American Industrial Light Fixture

20th.C American Industrial Light Fixture

Located in Atlanta, GA

A good example of an early American industrial light ,completely restored with green painted shaft

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

American Arts & Crafts Windmill Chandelier

American Arts & Crafts Windmill Chandelier

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

A bronze chandelier with windmills and farm scenes silhouetted on bright yellow art glass.

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

American Six Arm  Cut Crystal Chandelier
American Six Arm  Cut Crystal Chandelier

American Six Arm Cut Crystal Chandelier

Located in New York, NY

American Six Arm Cut Crystal Chandelier(426)

Category

Early 20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal

1920s American Articulated Wall Lamp by Faries Fixtures
1920s American Articulated Wall Lamp by Faries Fixtures

1920s American Articulated Wall Lamp by Faries Fixtures

Located in Chicago, IL

1920s American articulated wall sconce by Faries fixture with copper flush finish and mercury glass

Category

Early 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Copper, Iron

American Modernist Copper and Silver Plate Table Lamp, 1920's
American Modernist Copper and Silver Plate Table Lamp, 1920's

American Modernist Copper and Silver Plate Table Lamp, 1920's

Located in New York, NY

Modernist American Silverplate and Copper, 2 Light Table Lamp. THe Orb Shaped Lamp is layered

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

American Brass and Crystal Gasolier, circa 1850
American Brass and Crystal Gasolier, circa 1850

American Brass and Crystal Gasolier, circa 1850

Located in Alexandria, VA

This gas-burning fixture was converted to electricity in the early 20th century. The brass frame is

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Early Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

American Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Harp and Parrot Shade
American Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Harp and Parrot Shade

American Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Harp and Parrot Shade

Located in San Francisco, CA

Looking for all the world like a birdcage, this lamp radiates ambience. With a low-wattage bulb in it, or dimmed in the evening, you'll be transported. On the other hand, you can u...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Art Deco Period Silver Plated Torchere Floor Lamp, American, circa 1920
Art Deco Period Silver Plated Torchere Floor Lamp, American, circa 1920

Art Deco Period Silver Plated Torchere Floor Lamp, American, circa 1920

Located in New York, NY

. American. circa 1920 Professionally rewired and re-silvered. Measures: Height 63.75", diameter of shade

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

A Fine Antique American E.F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Neoclassical Chandelier, Circa 1900
A Fine Antique American E.F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Neoclassical Chandelier, Circa 1900

A Fine Antique American E.F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Neoclassical Chandelier, Circa 1900

By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in New York, NY

A Fine & rare antique American E.F. Caldwell silvered bronze Neoclassical chandelier embellished

Category

Early 20th Century American Samoan Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Special, "Best of" American Floor Lamp, Nickel-plated with Chinoiserie Shade
Special, "Best of" American Floor Lamp, Nickel-plated with Chinoiserie Shade

Special, "Best of" American Floor Lamp, Nickel-plated with Chinoiserie Shade

By Rembrandt Lamp Company

Located in San Francisco, CA

Not many floor lamps are deserving of the Decorum Full Restoration Service, but for this one there was never a question. Every aspect of it is a winner, from the arrow bridge arm to...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Large Antique American Industrial City Street Wall Sconce, Multiple Available
Large Antique American Industrial City Street Wall Sconce, Multiple Available

Large Antique American Industrial City Street Wall Sconce, Multiple Available

Located in Chicago, IL

Large Early 20th Century American Industrial City Street Wall Sconce with green enamel shade. In

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Enamel, Metal

Art Deco Era American Hand-Wrought Candles Chandelier
Art Deco Era American Hand-Wrought Candles Chandelier

Art Deco Era American Hand-Wrought Candles Chandelier

Located in San Francisco, CA

candles. As I bought it in the U.S., and the electrical components are (were) American, I suggest a US

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of American Arts & Crafts Sconces
Pair of American Arts & Crafts Sconces

Pair of American Arts & Crafts Sconces

Located in Vancouver, BC

Circa 1915. A lovely (and rare) pair of sconces in the style of American Arts & Crafts

Category

Early 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces

Antique American Theater Gilded Tin Wall Sconces
Antique American Theater Gilded Tin Wall Sconces

Antique American Theater Gilded Tin Wall Sconces

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique American theater gilded tin wall sconces. Newly rewired.

Category

Early 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Tin

Pair of 2 Arm American Art Deco Sconces

Pair of 2 Arm American Art Deco Sconces

Located in Chicago, IL

Cast brass 2 arm sconce with sunburst detail in the center, scroll motif surrounds central design and is cast to appear "hand hammered". Cast ornaments with star hang below each arm....

Category

Early 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair of Neoclassic Style Hand-Cast Bronze Three-Light Sconces, America
Pair of Neoclassic Style Hand-Cast Bronze Three-Light Sconces, America

Pair of Neoclassic Style Hand-Cast Bronze Three-Light Sconces, America

Located in Alexandria, VA

These hand-cast bronze sconces are faithful copies of Louis XVI neoclassic originals. The detail is rich and deeply cast. There is a real commanding presence to these sconces. We can...

Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Wallpaper Roller Lamp c. 1910
Vintage Wallpaper Roller Lamp c. 1910

Vintage Wallpaper Roller Lamp c. 1910

Located in Culver City, CA

example of early 20th century craftsmanship with it's carved wooden patterning in a simple refined rustic

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Table Lamps

Materials

Wood

Pair of Wooden Floor Lamps
Pair of Wooden Floor Lamps

Pair of Wooden Floor Lamps

Unavailable|$2,600

Pair of Wooden Floor Lamps

Located in Hudson, NY

A pair of lovely floor lamps in a "Green-ish/Yellow-ish" color. Handmade in hardwood. Sturdy and tall.

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Brass Three-Light Chandelier with Nuart Shades
Brass Three-Light Chandelier with Nuart Shades

Brass Three-Light Chandelier with Nuart Shades

Located in Minneapolis, MN

early antique lighting was designed as objects of art and we treat each fixture with careful attention

Category

Early 20th Century North American American Classical Chandeliers and Pen...

Materials

Brass

Arts and Crafts Brass Table Lamp
Arts and Crafts Brass Table Lamp

Arts and Crafts Brass Table Lamp

Located in Woodstock, NY

Tall, single lamp, from the Arts and crafts period. Solid brass cylinder body, with hand hammered brass top plate. Commonly referred to as "Trench Art", produced by soldiers, during ...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Painted Gesso Light with Glass
Painted Gesso Light with Glass

Painted Gesso Light with Glass

Located in Minneapolis, MN

” diameter x 58” total height (drop adjustable) We find that early antique lighting was designed as

Category

Early 20th Century North American American Classical Chandeliers and Pen...

Materials

Gesso, Glass

Table Lamps Pair Classical Modern patinated bronze Columns
Table Lamps Pair Classical Modern patinated bronze Columns

Table Lamps Pair Classical Modern patinated bronze Columns

Located in New York, NY

A pair of classical modern patinated bronze column table lamps. New sockets and rewired Shades not included

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass Chandelier with Vine and Leaf Quezal Shades
Polished Brass Chandelier with Vine and Leaf Quezal Shades

Polished Brass Chandelier with Vine and Leaf Quezal Shades

Located in Minneapolis, MN

” with 2 1/4”fitter. We find that early antique lighting was designed as objects of art and we treat

Category

Early 20th Century North American American Empire Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Frederick Cooper Metal and Wooden Lamps, Pair
Frederick Cooper Metal and Wooden Lamps, Pair

Frederick Cooper Metal and Wooden Lamps, Pair

By Frederick Cooper

Located in Cookeville, TN

A pair of Frederick Cooper lamps featuring waxed walnut and antique brass finished metal enhancements. New socket interiors and gold cords have been added. The square base supports t...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Near Pair of Pacific Electric Adjustable Floor Lamps
Near Pair of Pacific Electric Adjustable Floor Lamps

Near Pair of Pacific Electric Adjustable Floor Lamps

Located in Hudson, NY

Beautifully elegant examples of early American electric lighting. These two similar standing floor

Category

Antique Early 1900s Floor Lamps

Craftsman Iron Gas Fixture with Green Slag Glass
Craftsman Iron Gas Fixture with Green Slag Glass

Craftsman Iron Gas Fixture with Green Slag Glass

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This early original American Craftsman style fixture in iron features emerald green slag glass

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Federal Style Formal Brass Chandelier, Steuben Shades
Federal Style Formal Brass Chandelier, Steuben Shades

Federal Style Formal Brass Chandelier, Steuben Shades

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Steuben (signed) Shades: 5” by 5” with 2 1/4”fitter. We find that early antique lighting was designed

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Colonial Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Eight-Light Octopus Chandelier
Eight-Light Octopus Chandelier

Eight-Light Octopus Chandelier

Unavailable|$1,845 / item

Eight-Light Octopus Chandelier

Located in Minneapolis, MN

that early antique lighting was designed as objects of art and we treat each fixture with careful

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Brass 4 Light Pan with Etched Shades and Center Bowl
Brass 4 Light Pan with Etched Shades and Center Bowl

Brass 4 Light Pan with Etched Shades and Center Bowl

Located in Minneapolis, MN

47” total height drop adjustable We find that early antique lighting was designed as objects of

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Original Poly Chrome Finish 5 Candle Chandelier
Original Poly Chrome Finish 5 Candle Chandelier

Original Poly Chrome Finish 5 Candle Chandelier

Located in Minneapolis, MN

” body only / adjustable drop) We find that early antique lighting was designed as objects of art and

Category

Early 20th Century North American Gothic Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Iron

Five-Arm Cast Brass Chandelier with Original Etched Shades
Five-Arm Cast Brass Chandelier with Original Etched Shades

Five-Arm Cast Brass Chandelier with Original Etched Shades

Located in Minneapolis, MN

: 5.25” by 5.25” with 2 1/4”fitter. We find that early antique lighting was designed as objects of

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Chandeliers and Pend...

Materials

Brass

Classical Grand Brass Four Arm with a Touch of Beaux Arts
Classical Grand Brass Four Arm with a Touch of Beaux Arts

Classical Grand Brass Four Arm with a Touch of Beaux Arts

Located in Minneapolis, MN

acid etched shades: with 2 1/4” fitter. We find that early antique lighting was designed as objects

Category

Early 20th Century North American Beaux Arts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Two Light, Combination Gas And Electric
Two Light, Combination Gas And Electric

Two Light, Combination Gas And Electric

Located in Austin, TX

Combination Gas and Electric, turn of the Century, Gas Up and Electric down, Lighting fixture

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Chandeliers and Pendants

6 Light Bare Bulb with Cast Bobeches
6 Light Bare Bulb with Cast Bobeches

6 Light Bare Bulb with Cast Bobeches

Located in Minneapolis, MN

standard Edison socket Dimensions: 18” diameter x 35 1/2” total height We find that early antique

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

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Early American Lighting For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of early American lighting available at 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, glass and brass. Find 462 options for an antique or vintage item from our selection of early American lighting now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a choice in our collection of early American lighting — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of early American lighting made by Neoclassical designers — as well as those associated with Arts and Crafts — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made option in this array of early American lighting over the years, but those crafted by Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Tiffany Studios and Jefferson Electric Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Early American Lighting?

The average selling price for a piece of early American lighting at 1stDibs is $2,074, while they’re typically $199 on the low end and $54,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat. 

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Early American Lighting
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.