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 Maple

Colonial American Dining Table

Maple Chippendale

18th Century Tiger Maple Furniture

Maple Secretary

Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table

Antique Tiger

Tiger Table

American Spindle

Early American Maple Square Side Table / Stand

$862

Early American Maple Square Side Table / Stand

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Maple Square Side Table / Stand Measures 15.75" in width, 15.75" in depth and 22.5

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early American Maple Utility Table, Circa 19th Century

$1,675

Early American Maple Utility Table, Circa 19th Century

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Maple Utility Table, Circa 19th Century. Measures 18..5" in width x 27.5 in depth x

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Early Victorian Tables

Materials

Maple

Early American Maple Side Chair Frames, a Pair, circa 1880s

$775 / set

Early American Maple Side Chair Frames, a Pair, circa 1880s

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair of Early American Maple side chair frames ready for your choice of recanning or upholstering

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Early American Maple Faux Bamboo Ebonized Windsor Side Chairs, C. 1810s

$1,995 / set

Pair of Early American Maple Faux Bamboo Ebonized Windsor Side Chairs, C. 1810s

Located in Germantown, MD

Pair of Early American Maple Faux Bamboo Ebonized Windsor Side Chairs, Circa 1810s. Totally

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs

Materials

Maple, Paint

Early American Maple & Cherry Two Tier Side Accent Table Dry Sink Washstand

$490Sale Price|30% Off

Early American Maple & Cherry Two Tier Side Accent Table Dry Sink Washstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Early American style side table made of curly maple and cherry. Features a two tier design

Category

20th Century American American Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Cherry, Maple

1970 Early American Traditional Maple Wood Rectangle Wall Mirror Moosehead

$900

1970 Early American Traditional Maple Wood Rectangle Wall Mirror Moosehead

By Lane Furniture

Located in Miami, FL

Traditional Early American Maple Wood Wall Mirror made by Vintage Moosehead Furniture. Moosehead is

Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Maple

Small Scatter Size Maple Leaf Design Antique Hooked Rug 4' x 5'

$1,550

Small Scatter Size Maple Leaf Design Antique Hooked Rug 4' x 5'

Located in New York, NY

Small Scatter Size Antique Hooked Rug, Country Of Origin: United States, Circa date: 1920

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century American Maple Breadboard

$550

Early 20th Century American Maple Breadboard

Located in Chicago, IL

A charming early 20th century American maple breadboard with a wonderful golden patina. Sound and

Category

Early 20th Century American Country Butcher Blocks

Materials

Maple

Early American Style Bobbin Maple Day Bed

$2,300

Early American Style Bobbin Maple Day Bed

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Style Bobbin Maple Thirty Three Inch ( 33") Day Bed. Measures 80.5" in width, 33

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Maple

Early American Classical Style Maple Continuous Armchair

$995

Early American Classical Style Maple Continuous Armchair

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Classical Style spindle back Maple Continuous Armchair Measures 25" in width, 40" in

Category

Late 20th Century American American Classical Armchairs

Materials

Maple

Early American Style Maple Side Table

$775

Early American Style Maple Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

An early American handcrafted maple side table measuring 20" in width, 17.5" in depth and standing

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Early American Primitive Maple Harvest Expandable Dining Table

$3,840Sale Price|20% Off

Early American Primitive Maple Harvest Expandable Dining Table

Located in Hopewell, NJ

This early American primitive harvest table can be three different sizes, allowing for easy storage

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Dining Room Tables

Materials

Maple

Early 19th Century American Tigerwood Maple Secretaire

$3,200

Early 19th Century American Tigerwood Maple Secretaire

Located in Southampton, NY

This Early 19th Century American Tigerwood Maple Secretaire. The desk features a drop-front green

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Early American Chippendale Period Maple Chest of Drawers

$1,850

Early American Chippendale Period Maple Chest of Drawers

Located in San Francisco, CA

Early American Chippendale period maple chest of drawers Wonderful 18th century early American

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Chippendale Dressers

Materials

Maple

Early American Patinated Maple Plank Side Chair, Circa Early 20th Century

$995

Early American Patinated Maple Plank Side Chair, Circa Early 20th Century

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early American Patinated Maple Plank Chair, Eraly 20th Century. Great patina. Not just for

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Early American Carved Maple Framed Beveled Wall Mirror

$695

Early American Carved Maple Framed Beveled Wall Mirror

Located in South Bend, IN

A stylish Early American or American Colonial style maple framed beveled wall mirror USA, Late

Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Maple

Early American Stenciled Tiger Maple Pole Screen

$1,002Sale Price|56% Off

Early American Stenciled Tiger Maple Pole Screen

Located in Savannah, GA

Mahogany and maple pole screen on a tripod base featuring a center urn, adjustable brass slide and

Category

Antique Early 1800s American Federal Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Maple

Early American Style Maple Small Dining or Kitchen Table

$1,675

Early American Style Maple Small Dining or Kitchen Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A mid Century Early American Style Maple Small Dining table or Kitchen Table with one extension

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Dining Room Tables

Materials

Formica, Maple

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table

$3,200

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table

Located in Southampton, NY

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table Double leaf and features one gate for each

Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk

$2,595

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk USA

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,100

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Antique Early 19th C. American Maple And Pine Corner Cabinet

$3,000Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Early 19th C. American Maple And Pine Corner Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique early 19th century American pine and maple Corner Cupboard, c 1810. Made of pine and maple

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Corner Cupboards

Materials

Blown Glass, Maple

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,195

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Antique American Empire Dressing Table Mirror Highly Figured Maple Early 1800s.

$1,800

Antique American Empire Dressing Table Mirror Highly Figured Maple Early 1800s.

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

This is a lovely dressing table mirror from early 1800. It is made in highly figured American maple

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Neoclassical Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Jasper Early American Colonial Style Petite Maple Secretary Desk & Bookcase 72"

$1,120Sale Price|30% Off

Jasper Early American Colonial Style Petite Maple Secretary Desk & Bookcase 72"

By Jasper Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

maple case crafted in colonial styling with an arcaded glass front door opening to three shelves over a

Category

Vintage 1980s American American Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Maple

Early American Cast Iron and Maple Bible / Dictionary Stand Adjustable

$1,150

Early American Cast Iron and Maple Bible / Dictionary Stand Adjustable

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Adjustable Cast Iron and Maple Bible / Dictionary Stand. Measures 16" in width, 16

Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Religious Items

Materials

Iron

American Curly Maple Sheraton Chest

$1,895

American Curly Maple Sheraton Chest

Located in Bradenton, FL

A nice early large eight drawer American curly Maple chest with Pine secondary wood. Likely made

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Maple

Vintage Early American Style Petite Maple Lift Top Secretary Desk & Hutch 70"

$840Sale Price|30% Off

Vintage Early American Style Petite Maple Lift Top Secretary Desk & Hutch 70"

Located in Dayton, OH

1960s American Country Diminutive Desk & Hutch. Made from maple with a lift top writing desk

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Early American HandCrafted Maple Plank Chair

$775

Late 19th Century Early American HandCrafted Maple Plank Chair

Located in Germantown, MD

A Late 19th Century Early American style HandCrafted Maple Plank Chair with great aging patina. It

Category

Late 20th Century American Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary With Bookcase Hutch

$2,495

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary With Bookcase Hutch

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk and

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table

$4,800

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table

Located in Essex, MA

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Tiger Maple Dropleaf dining table. The oblong top with hinged

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Maple

American Chippendale Tiger Maple Tall Chest / Dresser

$3,800Sale Price|34% Off

American Chippendale Tiger Maple Tall Chest / Dresser

Located in Fulton, CA

Beautiful hand made tiger maple Chippendale tall dresser. Late 18th early 19th century. Crafted in

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Chippendale Dressers

Materials

Maple

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table

$2,975

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table

Located in Hudson, NY

surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tiger maple the table

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Maple

Early American Style Pine and Maple Spiral-Turned Leg Single Drawer Work Table

$1,875

Early American Style Pine and Maple Spiral-Turned Leg Single Drawer Work Table

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early American Style Pine and Maple Spiral-Turned Legs Single Drawer Work Table. Very sturdy.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Industrial and Work...

Materials

Maple, Pine

Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century

$2,360Sale Price|20% Off

Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century

Located in Huntington, NY

Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Candle Stands

Materials

Wood

Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

$2,545

Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional antique American Colonial style maple writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

19th Century Early American Style Maple Ladder and Spindle Back Plank Side Chair

$775

19th Century Early American Style Maple Ladder and Spindle Back Plank Side Chair

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Early American Style Maple Ladder and spindle Back Plank Side Chair. Will make a

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Early American Patinated Maple Plank Chairs, Circa Mid 19th Century

$1,995 / set

Pair of Early American Patinated Maple Plank Chairs, Circa Mid 19th Century

Located in Germantown, MD

Pair of Early American Patinated Maple Plank Chairs, Circa Mid 19th Century. Great patina. Not just

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Early American 19th c Country Sheraton Tiger Maple Blanket Chest or Firewood Box

$2,600

Early American 19th c Country Sheraton Tiger Maple Blanket Chest or Firewood Box

Located in Milford, NH

A large wonderful early American Country Sheraton tiger maple blanket chest or firewood box with

Category

Antique 19th Century American Sheraton Blanket Chests

Materials

Maple

Early 20th Century American Breadboard

$425

Early 20th Century American Breadboard

Located in Chicago, IL

A charming early 20th century American burled maple breadboard with the word "BREAD" carved into

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Butcher Blocks

Materials

Maple

American Country Style Maple Twin Size Bed

$900

American Country Style Maple Twin Size Bed

Located in Queens, NY

Early American Country-style (20th Century) maple twin size sleigh bed with triple slat design

Category

20th Century American Rustic Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Maple

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, 1970s

$795

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, 1970s

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Colonial or Early American style carved solid maple framed wall mirror USA

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Maple

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, 1970s

$795

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, 1970s

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Colonial or Early American style carved solid maple framed wall mirror USA

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Maple

Early American Ladder Back Maple and Cane Seat Chairs, a Pair, circa 1880s

$1,295 / set

Early American Ladder Back Maple and Cane Seat Chairs, a Pair, circa 1880s

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair Victorian early American ladder back maple and cane seat chairs, circa 1880s with newer

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Maple

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, Circa 1970s

$595

American Colonial Carved Maple Framed Wall Mirror, Circa 1970s

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Colonial or Early American style carved solid maple framed wall mirror USA

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Maple

American Country Coppercraft Wall Plaque of Maple Farming

$455

American Country Coppercraft Wall Plaque of Maple Farming

Located in Queens, NY

American Country (Mid-Century) Coppercraft wall plaque of a group of people gathered by a log cabin

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Antique American Country Solid Maple Plank Seat Side Accent Chair

$245Sale Price|30% Off

Antique American Country Solid Maple Plank Seat Side Accent Chair

Located in Dayton, OH

A charming antique side chair. Features a petite size made from maple with a contoured plank seat

Category

Early 20th Century Country Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

American Neoclassic Bird's Eye Maple Four Drawer Chest, 1820

$14,400Sale Price|20% Off

American Neoclassic Bird's Eye Maple Four Drawer Chest, 1820

Located in Kenilworth, IL

American Neoclassic four drawer chest in the French Restoration taste. The case employs both solid

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Cherry, Poplar, Pine

Early American Style Mixed Fruitwood Single Drawer Work Table

$1,295

Early American Style Mixed Fruitwood Single Drawer Work Table

Located in Germantown, MD

Early American Stylevhand Crafted Mixed Fruitwood single drawer Work Table from the early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Antique American Empire Ebonized Cherry & Tiger Maple 6 Drawer Chest c1840

$2,120Sale Price|20% Off

Antique American Empire Ebonized Cherry & Tiger Maple 6 Drawer Chest c1840

Located in Big Flats, NY

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique American

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Cherry

18th to 19th Century American Curly Maple Tilt Top Candlestick Table

$1,200

18th to 19th Century American Curly Maple Tilt Top Candlestick Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

18th to 19th Century American curly maple tilt top candlestick table Handsome early American

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Candle Stands

Materials

Maple

American Empire Cherry & Tiger Maple Gentlemen’s Chest C1840

$1,320Sale Price|20% Off

American Empire Cherry & Tiger Maple Gentlemen’s Chest C1840

Located in Big Flats, NY

American Empire Cherry & Tiger Maple Gentlemen’s Chest C1840 Measures - 47 7/8" x 42 5/8" x 22

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

Early American Bobbin Leg Parlor Accent Table

$1,296

Early American Bobbin Leg Parlor Accent Table

Located in Germantown, MD

Two tier early American, occasional, parlor accent table. This American Classical style barley

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

$495

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk. Item features a lower cubby storage

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Dresser, Circa 1920s

$2,495

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Dresser, Circa 1920s

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Colonial or Country Cottage style five-drawer dresser By Stickley

Category

Vintage 1920s American American Colonial Dressers

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

$1,495

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Colonial or Country Cottage style nightstand or occasional side table

Category

Vintage 1920s American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

American Carved Solid Maple Spindle Back Side Chair or Desk Chair

$495

American Carved Solid Maple Spindle Back Side Chair or Desk Chair

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous vintage Early American style carved solid maple desk chair, dining chair, or side chair

Category

Vintage 1970s American Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Maple

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Early American Maple For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal early American maple for your home. Each early American maple for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, maple and hardwood. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect early American maple — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. An early American maple is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Neoclassical, Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one early American maple that is appealing in its simplicity, but Herman de Vries, Willett Furniture Company and American Cabinet Company produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Early American Maple?

An early American maple can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,500, while the lowest priced sells for $425 and the highest can go for as much as $26,000.

Questions About Early American Maple

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.