Calgary, a city celebrated for its captivating history and dynamic culture, is a haven for those with a passion for vintage furniture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice buyer, finding authentic vintage furniture Calgary can be a rewarding experience. This guide aims to help you navigate the market and identify genuine vintage pieces, ensuring you make informed and valuable purchases.
Understanding Vintage Furniture Calgary
What Qualifies as Vintage?
Vintage furniture refers to furniture items that are at least 20 years old but not older than 100 years. Items older than 100 years are typically classified as antiques. Vintage pieces often reflect the design trends of their era, offering a unique charm and historical value.
Difference Between Vintage and Antique
While both vintage and antique furniture hold historical significance, the primary difference lies in their age. Antique furniture is generally more than 100 years old, while vintage furniture spans from 20 to 100 years old. Understanding this distinction is crucial when shopping for authentic vintage furniture in Calgary.
Key Characteristics of Authentic Vintage Furniture
1. Construction and Craftsmanship
Authentic vintage furniture is often characterized by superior craftsmanship. Look for dovetail joints, solid wood construction, and hand-carved details. These features indicate that the piece was made before mass production became prevalent.
2. Signs of Wear and Patina
Genuine vintage furniture will show signs of age, such as minor scratches, worn edges, and a natural patina. This patina, a result of years of use and exposure to air, gives vintage furniture its unique character and authenticity.
3. Original Hardware
Examine the hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges. Original hardware is typically made of brass, iron, or wood and may show signs of tarnish or wear. Replaced hardware can be a sign of restoration, which might affect the piece’s value.
Dovetail Joints in Vintage Furniture
Dovetail joints are a critical feature to look for when identifying authentic vintage furniture. These joints not only showcase the craftsmanship of a piece but also serve as a strong indicator of its age and authenticity. Here’s a detailed look at dovetail joints and why they are important in the world of vintage furniture.
What is a Dovetail Joint?
A dovetail joint is a woodworking technique used to join two pieces of wood together at right angles. The joint is characterized by interlocking wedge-shaped cuts resembling a dove’s tail, hence the name “dovetail.” These cuts fit together tightly without the need for nails or screws, creating a solid and durable bond.
Types of Dovetail Joints
There are many types of dovetail joints, each with its unique characteristics:
· Through Dovetail: Both ends of the joint are visible, showing the interlocking tails and pins.
· Half-Blind Dovetail: The joint is visible only on one side, typically used in drawer fronts.
· Secret Mitred Dovetail: The joint is completely hidden from view, providing a seamless appearance.
Importance of Dovetail Joints in Vintage Furniture
1. Indicator of Quality Craftsmanship: Dovetail joints are labor-intensive and require a high level of skill to execute correctly. Furniture with well-crafted dovetail joints often indicates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, qualities that are highly prized in vintage pieces.
2. Sign of Authenticity: Dovetail joints can help date a piece of furniture. Machine-cut, more uniform, and precise dovetails became common after the 1860s. Before this period, dovetails were hand-cut and exhibited slight variations and irregularities. Identifying hand-cut dovetails can thus confirm the age and authenticity of a vintage item.
3. Durability and Strength: The interlocking design of dovetail joints provides exceptional strength and stability. This is particularly important in furniture pieces that are subject to frequent use, such as drawers and cabinets. The durability of dovetail joints means that vintage furniture with these joints has likely withstood the test of time and remains functional and sturdy.
How to Identify Dovetail Joints
· Look for the Tails and Pins: Examine the corners of drawers and joints for the characteristic wedge-shaped cuts. In through dovetails, both the tails and pins will be visible, while in half-blind dovetails, they will be partially hidden.
· Check for Irregularities: Hand-cut dovetails will have slight variations and asymmetries. These imperfections are signs of manual craftsmanship and can help distinguish older, authentic pieces from modern reproductions.
· Assess the Fit: A well-made dovetail joint should fit together snugly without gaps. Loose or poorly fitted dovetails may indicate inferior craftsmanship or damage.
Key Styles and Periods of Vintage Furniture
Understanding vintage furniture’s key styles and periods can greatly enhance your ability to identify authentic pieces. Here are some of the most notable styles to look for when shopping for vintage furniture in Calgary.
William and Mary (1685-1720)
The William and Mary style, named after the English King William of Orange and Queen Mary, is known for its practical and sturdy designs. This period introduced furniture with crisp lines and bold veneers made from walnut or maple. Key characteristics include exaggerated moldings and turnings, adding distinct visual appeal to the pieces. Common woods used during this period are maple, walnut, white pine, and southern yellow pine. One unique feature to look for is “japanning,” a lacquered decoration that adds an exotic and elegant touch to the furniture.
Queen Anne (1720-1760)
The Queen Anne style is delicate and refined, characterized by its unique regional variations. In New England, Queen Anne furniture often featured more diluted forms, while in Philadelphia, pieces were known for their mortised chair rails. Popular woods for this period include walnut, poplar, cherry, and maple. Like the William and Mary style, Queen Anne furniture also featured japanned decoration, typically in red, green, and gilt. This period also saw the introduction of the tilting tea table, a notable innovation in furniture design.
Chippendale (1755-1790)
The Chippendale style, named after the renowned cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, was heavily influenced by ancient cultures. Chippendale’s designs were eagerly copied by other cabinetmakers, making this style widespread and highly influential. Exquisite craftsmanship is a
hallmark of Chippendale furniture, with pieces often featuring pronounced claw-and-ball feet, a distinctive and sought-after detail. The influence of this style is evident in the high-quality materials and intricate designs used to create furniture pieces during this period.
Where to Find Vintage Furniture Calgary
1. Antique Shops and Boutiques
Calgary boasts a variety of antique shops and boutiques specializing in vintage furniture. Stores like Heirlooms Antiques and The Antique Market offer a wide range of authentic pieces. Visiting these shops can provide a hands-on experience to inspect and appreciate the furniture’s quality.
2. Online Marketplaces
Websites such as Hall’s Auction and Facebook Marketplace have sections dedicated to vintage furniture. While shopping online, asking for detailed photos and information about the piece’s history is essential to verify its authenticity.
3. Estate Sales and Auctions
Estate sales and auctions are excellent places to find vintage furniture. Companies like Calgary Estate Sales and Hall’s Auction Services frequently feature vintage items. Attending these events lets you see the pieces firsthand, and you often get them at competitive prices.
Tips for Verifying Authenticity of Vintage Furniture
Research the Era
Understanding the design trends and materials used during the period a piece was made can help verify its authenticity. Resources like books, online articles, and historical databases can provide valuable insights.
Consult with Experts
Feel free to seek advice from antique dealers, appraisers, or experienced collectors. They can offer professional assessments and help you determine the authenticity and value of a vintage piece.
Ask for Provenance:
Provenance is the documented history of an item. Authentic vintage furniture often comes with provenance, detailing its origin, previous owners, and any significant associated events. This documentation can significantly enhance the piece’s value and authenticity.
Conclusion – How to Identify Authentic Vintage Furniture in Calgary?
Finding authentic vintage furniture Calgary requires knowledge, patience, and a keen eye for detail. Understanding the characteristics of genuine vintage pieces and knowing where to look can enrich your collection with valuable and beautiful items. Whether you’re furnishing your home or adding to your collection, vintage furniture Calgary market offers a wealth of opportunities to discover unique and timeless pieces.
