How do I identify early American furniture?

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.

What is the early American furniture style called?

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.

Early American Lowboy

Queen Anne Low Boy

Philadelphia Lowboy

Rhode Island Furniture

18th Century American Table

Walnut Queen Anne Dressing Tables

Chippendale Mahogany Lowboy

Colonial Style Chest Of Drawers

18th Century Queen Anne Highboy

Antique American Queen Anne Style Server

$1,600

H 37.75 in W 41 in D 21.75 in

Antique American Queen Anne Style Server

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A finely constructed highboy form server with an overhanging top with carved edge and shaped front corners. With a long frieze drawer with faux escutcheon over three deep drawers. Th...

Category

Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Lowboys

Materials

Brass

Antique Early 20th Century American Walnut Lowboy Dresser Chest of Drawers 45"

$1,155Sale Price|30% Off

H 32.5 in W 45 in D 21 in

Antique Early 20th Century American Walnut Lowboy Dresser Chest of Drawers 45"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late Victorian style chest of drawers, circa 1910. Features a rectangular frame made from American

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Dressers

Materials

Brass

Carved Mahogany Philadelphia Chippendale Style Lowboy

$1,950

H 30 in W 38 in D 20.5 in

Carved Mahogany Philadelphia Chippendale Style Lowboy

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A classic Philadelphia Chippendale style hand carved mahogany lowboy. The upper long drawer with

Category

Early 20th Century North American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Mahogany

Recent Sales

American Walnut Five Drawer Lowboy

Unavailable

American Walnut Five Drawer Lowboy

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Excellent, rare, American walnut five drawer lowboy, circa 1740. Japanning done around 1820

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Lowboys

Materials

Wood

Antique Diminutive Queen Anne American Cherry Lowboy Chest of Drawers Console

Sold

H 29.5 in W 32 in D 20 in

Antique Diminutive Queen Anne American Cherry Lowboy Chest of Drawers Console

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 18th to Early 19th Century American Queen Anne Lowboy. A compact case with generous

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Queen Anne Lowboys

Materials

Brass

Antique Early American Colonial Pine Lowboy Chest of Drawers Dresser Console

Sold

H 28.5 in W 36.5 in D 17 in

Antique Early American Colonial Pine Lowboy Chest of Drawers Dresser Console

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American style chest of drawers or dresser, circa 1900s. Made of pine featuring three

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

American Chippendale Style Mahogany Lowboy, Philadelphia circa 1910

Sold

H 29 in W 35 in D 19.13 in

American Chippendale Style Mahogany Lowboy, Philadelphia circa 1910

Located in Shippensburg, PA

is compartmented. For the serious connoisseur of fine American furniture, the Philadelphia lowboy

Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Hand Painted Chinoiserie Lowboy

Sold

H 36 in W 43.5 in D 22 in

Vintage Hand Painted Chinoiserie Lowboy

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A fantastic vintage Asian Chinoiserie lowboy. Beautiful black lacquered finish with hand painted

Category

Early 20th Century North American Chinoiserie Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Lacquer

American Chippendale Style Mahogany Lowboy Table

Sold

H 31 in W 35 in D 20.5 in

American Chippendale Style Mahogany Lowboy Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Presenting an exceptional quality American Chippendale style mahogany lowboy table. Beautifully

Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Lowboys

Materials

Mahogany

American Maple Lowboy

Sold

H 30 in W 31.5 in D 18 in

American Maple Lowboy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful Early American Maple Lowboy

Category

20th Century American Lowboys

Materials

Brass

Antique American Maple Lowboy

Sold

H 29 in W 32 in D 18 in

Antique American Maple Lowboy

Located in New Orleans, LA

18th century American maple lowboy.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Lowboys

Materials

Maple

American 18th Cent Cherry Lowboy

Sold

H 37 in W 40 in D 21 in

American 18th Cent Cherry Lowboy

Located in Middleburg, VA

WONDERFUL AMERICAN, POSSIBLY NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND, 18TH CENTURY CHERRY LOWBOY WITH ORIGINAL

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Lowboys

Materials

Brass

An American Walnut Lowboy, 18th C. Rhode Island

Sold

H 30.5 in W 30.75 in D 18.5 in

An American Walnut Lowboy, 18th C. Rhode Island

Located in Woodbury, CT

A Rhode Island or Massachusetts walnut lowboy with domed concave blocked apron and with notched and

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Lowboys

Materials

Walnut

American 18th Century Walnut Lowboy / Dressing Table, Ca. 1760

Sold

H 29 in W 36 in D 21.5 in

American 18th Century Walnut Lowboy / Dressing Table, Ca. 1760

Located in Great Barrington, MA

A beautiful example of the late Queen Anne style as interpreted by Philadelphia area craftsman. The triffid foot, shell carving on the knees, volutes and spurs along with the molded ...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Rococo Lowboys

Materials

Brass

American Queen Anne Carved Cherry Low Boy / Dressing Table Ca. 1770

Sold

H 28.5 in W 36.25 in D 21.5 in

American Queen Anne Carved Cherry Low Boy / Dressing Table Ca. 1770

Located in Great Barrington, MA

A fine example of a Massachusetts or Connecticut Cherry lowboy. The overhanging top with a molded

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Lowboys

Materials

Brass, Iron

Queen Anne Carved Maple Poplar and White Pine Dressing Table, Boston, circa 1750

Sold

H 29 in W 33 in D 20.5 in

Queen Anne Carved Maple Poplar and White Pine Dressing Table, Boston, circa 1750

Located in Providence, RI

, and the shell is the piece de resistance. An examination and report on this lowboy by early

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Queen Anne Lowboys

Materials

Pine, Poplar

American Queen Anne Lowboy

Sold

H 31 in W 32.75 in D 18.5 in

American Queen Anne Lowboy

Located in Sheffield, MA

Queen Anne lowboy, maple with pine secondary wood. The lowboy sports delicate cabriole legs, full

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century American Walnut Lowboy

Sold

H 36 in W 43.5 in D 21.75 in

18th Century American Walnut Lowboy

Located in Atlanta, GA

18th century American walnut lowboy with brass pulls

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Sideboards

Materials

Brass

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SUPER ELEGANT RALPH LAUREN AMERICAN HARDWOOD & OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS SiDEBOARD

$5,499

H 34.06 in W 54.14 in D 24.61 in

SUPER ELEGANT RALPH LAUREN AMERICAN HARDWOOD & OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS SiDEBOARD

By Ralph Lauren

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Ralph Lauren American Mahogany and Oak Contemporary chest of drawers with lockable top drawer ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Pair of Vintage Black Velvet Upholstered George Hepplewhite Wingback Armchairs

$9,746 / set

H 48.43 in W 33.47 in D 33.86 in

Pair of Vintage Black Velvet Upholstered George Hepplewhite Wingback Armchairs

By George Hepplewhite

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale absolutely stunning pair of vintage oversized George Hepplewhite wingback armchairs with the Philadelphia oversized wings These are a showstoppi...

Category

20th Century English Art Deco Wingback Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi

$4,358 / item

H 31.5 in Dm 27.56 in

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi

By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

Located in Florence, Tuscany

French Empire style gilt bronze and enamel chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi has got twelve lights. This chandelier is characterized by classical plate embellished with gilt bron...

Category

2010s Italian Empire Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Victorian Eastlake Carved Walnut Burl Chest of Drawers Dresser 46"

$1,050Sale Price|30% Off

H 30 in W 46 in D 21 in

Antique Victorian Eastlake Carved Walnut Burl Chest of Drawers Dresser 46"

Located in Dayton, OH

This gorgeous Victorian era dresser comes from the aesthetic period, circa 1880s. Made from walnut with three graduated drawers set between pronounced stiles with carved daisies over...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Eastlake Dressers

Materials

Brass

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Tallboy Dresser Chest of Drawers

$1,120Sale Price|30% Off

H 46 in W 44 in D 21.5 in

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Tallboy Dresser Chest of Drawers

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid to late 19th century American Empire tallboy / highboy chest. Made of flame / crotch mahognay featuring rectangular form with scrolled front and four hand dovetailed drawers. Di...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Empire Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Unique Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Dresser/Credenza in Style of Arne Vodder

$3,750

H 29.75 in W 66 in D 18.75 in

Unique Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Dresser/Credenza in Style of Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Dresser/Credenza in the Style of Arne Vodder This solid walnut dresser, with its exquisite sculpted drawer pulls, epitomizes mid-century modern elega...

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Credenza by Founders

$1,800

H 29 in W 77.75 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Credenza by Founders

By Founders Furniture Company

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern long cabinet by Founders with parquet diamond style front panels. Two side cabinets with shelves and middle drawers. Great 1960s design and construction. Please co...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Step Back Dresser Chest Marble Glovebox Drawers

$770Sale Price|30% Off

H 38.25 in W 38 in D 17 in

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Step Back Dresser Chest Marble Glovebox Drawers

Located in Dayton, OH

Circa 1880s Victorian dresser. Made from walnut with two glovebox drawers flanking a marble insert and three larger lower hand dovetailed drawers with paneled trim, glass knob pulls,...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dressers

Materials

Marble

Pair of English Georgian Style Ruby Red Leather Wingback Chairs

$5,800 / set

H 41.5 in W 34 in D 34 in

Pair of English Georgian Style Ruby Red Leather Wingback Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Stunning pair of mid-century leather wingback chairs or wing chairs featuring a dramatic ruby red leather upholstery. Made in the grand English Georgian taste with a mahogany hardwoo...

Category

20th Century American George III Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

West Michigan Furniture Co. Mid-Century Modern Walnut Double Dresser

$1,195

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

West Michigan Furniture Co. Mid-Century Modern Walnut Double Dresser

By West Michigan Furniture Co.

Located in West Chester, PA

A mid-century modern low dresser by West Michigan Furniture Co. in solid walnut with unique brass drawer pulls and six spacious dovetailed drawers. The top is a wood grain laminate w...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mahogany Queen Anne Side Chairs

$2,600 / set

H 39 in W 20 in D 16 in

Pair of Mahogany Queen Anne Side Chairs

Located in West Chester, PA

Yoke crest, solid splat, scalloped apron and cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet. English or Irish, circa 1740.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Queen Anne Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Nine Drawers Dresser by Polo Ralph Lauren Art Deco Style

$5,200

H 31.5 in W 82 in D 24 in

Nine Drawers Dresser by Polo Ralph Lauren Art Deco Style

By Ralph Lauren

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful dresser designed by Polo Ralph Lauren. 21st century. It has nine drawers that works well, they have leather and chrome handles. It has the Polo Ralph Lauren metal decal on...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dressers

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

English Mahogany Bench or Stool with Claw and Ball Feet

$1,150

H 20.5 in W 26.5 in D 20.5 in

English Mahogany Bench or Stool with Claw and Ball Feet

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chippendale style mahogany bench or stool with claw and ball feet, and having carved acanthus leaf carvings on the knees, England, first half of the 20th century.

Category

Early 20th Century English Chippendale Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.

$3,000

H 30 in W 21.5 in D 4 in

Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror. Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Federal Convex Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Victorian Eastlake Marble-Top Dresser with Swivel Mirror

$1,050

H 70.5 in W 37.75 in D 17.5 in

Antique Victorian Eastlake Marble-Top Dresser with Swivel Mirror

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Carved Walnut, Carrara Marble, Original Mirror, Brass Hardware This Victorian Eastlake dresser is a masterful blend of elegance and...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Eastlake Dressers

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Antique Rare Fine Pair of French Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Mounted Commodes

$540,252Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 38.39 in W 83.47 in D 31.11 in

Antique Rare Fine Pair of French Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Mounted Commodes

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique fine French rare pair of early 20th century mahogany, fruitwood marquetry and gilt bronze mounted commodes In the Louis XVI Style, after the original model of the commode com...

Category

Early 20th Century English Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze, Other

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Early American Lowboy For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the early American lowboy you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each early American lowboy for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer early American lowboy, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right early American lowboy, those designed in Rococo styles are of considerable interest.

How Much is a Early American Lowboy?

An early American lowboy can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $5,575, while the lowest priced sells for $895 and the highest can go for as much as $39,000.

Questions About Early American Lowboy

How do I identify early American furniture?
1 Answer
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.
What is the early American furniture style called?
1 Answer
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.

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