Archive for the ‘Antique Furniture’ Category

Unusually Wide New York Empire Bed in Mahogany, Original Size

All I want for Christmas

is a Leonard’s bed,

So I can lay my weary head.

One made of mahogany, maple or cherry,

Every day I’d wake up,

oh so merry!

Perhaps a tall post with carvings & turnings

Or a cannonball bed could end my yearnings…

In that bed, I’d think and I’d dream, I would even eat ice cream!

Oh Santa, I promise to be good, if you give me something made of wood.

Christmas Eve will never be the same, send me the truck with the Leonard’s name!

New London Single Drawer Stand in Cherry CA 1820

Being in the antique business and not collecting anything would probably mean that you were in the wrong field. I have many collections and would like to share them with you in the upcoming months along with some basic rules of thumb.

One of my favorite things about developing a collection is the memories that accumulate over time. In one quick glance at a piece, I can tell you where I was, who I spoke with and what the weather was like. Collecting can add fun to a trip as well as personal interest to a home.

Take something as basic as a nightstand – sometimes referred to as a bedside table, end table, work table, phone table and even drinks table. We all have needs for any of these purposes, so this is a good place to start.

Sheraton Carved Acanthus Leg Stand in Cherry & Flame Birch CA 1830

Let’s say you need a table about 2 feet square. Whether 200 years ago or 2 weeks ago, people have always needed these 2 feet or so square tables with drawers. Although their particular applications may have changed, the need for this type of table has not diminished because they still have a practical use. The table should have a drawer to keep things tidy and maybe a bottom shelf for magazines or books. You look in the mainstream marketplace or catalogs – and there are far too many. You choose one; get it home and there it is. It does its job - holds the lamp, pens and phone book – even the magazines – is very practical, nice-looking enough and probably not that cheap. But it’s still a little blah, one of 1,000 just like it with virtually no resale value should you move, redecorate or decide you had made a mistake.

Instead, take a look around – in antique shops (like Leonards), furniture shows, auctions, the Internet. Nightstands alone – the selection will be varied, from country birch or cherry, Hepplewhite with tapered legs or Sheraton with turned legs, even Victorian - all tell their own story; are well-made; pleasing to look at. By material and construction, they can be dated, attributed to a given area or even the cabinet-maker and just like real estate, resalable. Best of all, they won’t look just like your neighbors.

Take this opportunity to shop for the upcoming holidays!

Buyers market…Take advantage of the current economic climate. I recently did. I just returned from a long buying trip. Take it from me, now is the time to buy. Values are better than I can ever remember. Visit us and see for yourself. - Jeff Jenkins, Owner

Stop in to view the latest English shipment that arrived in October. Brass bound camphor wood boxes, wooden bellows, carved Black Forest bears, brass and wooden barley twist candlesticks, unusual and decorative objects such as steel lock sets, grape hods, peat buckets, wine measures, coat racks, document boxes, globes, sets of English Mahogany dining chairs, farmhouse tables in Cherry, Mahogany bowfront chests are just a few of the treasures in our showrooms.

Please be sure to visit our website often for updated antique and reproduction merchandise and to learn about upcoming events.

In these days of United Airlines whisking some 350 passengers at nearly 700 mph through the Doldrums and over the Sargasso Sea, we find it hard to understand how precious sea chests could be afloat. For the captains and some of their officers, chests were the private corner in the enforced intimacy of shipboard life. Whalers could be at sea three years running, clipper ships a shorter, but more hectic time. For these lonely men, sea chests were where secrets were stored and kept safe. Practical things like sail charts and signal flag identification are also found inside the lids.

Canted Chests

Dovetailed Sea Chest in Pine from early 1800's

Many chests started out their long years afloat as elaborate packing cases to carry fragile silks, scrolls, and other precious trade items back home from the China Trade. The earlier ones were made in a trapezoidal shape with the sides slanting up to the lip. This allowed custom officials to easily open the top, as it lay stowed away against the ship’s hull. The braided rope handles at each end, called “beckets”, were sturdy and easy to grasp when loading a chest from the heaving dory alongside the ship.

China Trade Camphor Wood Box from early 1800's

Camphor Wood Boxes

Camphor wood was the lumber of choice for sea chests after 1800 because it was plentiful in the Orient. A tall, evergreen tree  with smooth, greenish bark, it was heavily branched, creating numerous knots where the tree’s distinct odor was strongest. The camphor fragrance, which can still be detected in these chests, was believe to repel insects harmful to the silks stored inside. Cedar, now well known for its moth-repellent characteristics, replaced camphor wood in the 1890’s. Camphor wood yields a lush grain pattern, accentuated when finished in a golden honey color. Gradually, the chests became more sophisticated with features such as false bottoms for smuggling and bell alarms that rang when the key was turned in the lock on the chest.

Campaign Chests

China Trade Camphor Box with Double Locks from the early 1800's

Around the 1850’s, the military chest came into vogue, with campaign brass handles that folded flush to avoid being damaged. Brass-bound at the corners, and still dovetailed, they often carried double locks. Many had special drawers, some concealed. Usually made to individual order and lavishly crafted, they were cherished possessions from the start.

Dome Top Trunks

As public transportation became more available, early travelers quickly learned baggage could suffer from handling at the Wells Fargo Depot in Dodge City as much as at a modern day airport. Heavy trunks could be set down onto your personal luggage with the same results we see today. The dome top case was developed because its rounded shape made it difficult to put crates on top of it. An excellent example of a dome top trunk at Leonard’s is lined with the “Republican Standard”, dated March 7, 1861, only 4 days after Lincoln’s inaugural address.

From early sea chests to dome top trunks, the needs of the traveler were being met.

Jeff Jenkins, owner of Leonards New England in Seekonk, Massachusetts knew he wanted to grow the family business decades ago but it wasn’t until he took the helm from his father that he was able to implement his own ideas - and he’s had some great ones.

One of the first things he did 25 years ago was to book his first trip to the United Kingdom. “I really wanted to visit some of the antique shops in England and Scotland. I told my father many times that I thought it would be a good way to extend our resources,” Jenkins said.

The American antique dealer took his early experience and headed abroad. He visited many high-end antique shops during his stay and made contacts with very reputable dealers. Thirty years later, the relationships he established way back when are alive and well and in fact, many are better than ever.

In August 2006, Jenkins acquired a piece he never thought he’d own and is so ecstatic about it that he’s decided to keep it for himself. The hand carved, painted and gilded “royal coat of arms” is adorned with a unicorn and lion motif, and now decorates his dining room wall. Queen Mary presented the unusual item to the grandfather of one of Jenkins’ long time business associates in the late 1800’s. The antique dealer was the Queen’s antique dealer by royal appointment. “With no heirs to pass it on to he thought of me and I was incredibly touched by the gesture. These are the kinds of people I deal with when I’m in the United Kingdom,” Jenkins said.

Having forged relationships with business contacts has worked out well for Jenkins. Although Leonards has sold furniture since 1933, the business has grown in leaps and bounds under his direction. Within the last twelve months, the store has sold merchandise to 45 states thanks to its website, which was also his idea. But popping over the pond was something that certainly benefited the business. With so many of his customers living in New England, Jenkins said the area appreciates antiques from England, Ireland and Scotland.

“One of the best things about dealing with antique dealers over there is that it’s very traditional in Europe for families to do the same thing for generations. Whether it’s clock making, furniture restoration, or a particular craft - they become masters. They really know how to beautifully restore the things I buy. By the time a sideboard or night table is delivered to the store it’s already been given the seal of approval by a master craftsman. They also have access to the right materials so they can work on antiques that were made over there,” Jenkins said.

On his most recent trip Jenkins spent over $100,000 on select top quality antiques that will be shipped to him over the next few months. Because he visits his regular dealers three or four times a year he always comes away with something special. In fact, many of his contacts know his taste well enough to put a particular armoire or cupboard aside for his next visit.

“I always return with merchandise that compliments our inventory, and since things are being shipped all year long there’s always something new on the floor,” he said.

This summer Jenkins bought a mahogany tall case clock circa 1800. The “Drumhead” Clock has its original finish, and its face is unusually set in a rounded bonnet. Jenkins said he expects to sell it for $15,000.

Even when the English pound costs $1.80 in American money Jenkins still makes regular buying trips. “When you’ve developed long term business acquaintances like I have, you still go there and do business - even when the exchange rate is low,” he said.

There’s so much more to selling antiques than simply running the store and no one knows that better than Jenkins. In addition to being a very well recognized name in the US antique world, Leonards has also become well known in much of Europe. His 25 plus year associations have earned him his way into the “loop” - typically reserved for only the top dealers - and he’s only too happy to pass the quality and craftsmanship on to his customers.

“Having highly experienced furniture restoration people in Great Britain is great. We have about 25 full-time crafters and furniture restorers here, but my overseas association adds to what we can accomplish,” Jenkins said.

Knowing who’s who in the antique world, Jenkins has gleaned a wealth of knowledge about imported antiques and said European pieces are typically made of the very finest quality. “You can get burled woods in America but they’ll never be as good as those that come from Scotland. The trees there take longer to grow because of the cold climate so the wood is very high quality,” he said.

A steady flow of regular customers from New England visit his Seekonk and Westport, Connecticut locations and the internet keeps him selling to all parts of the country. Buyers come from all walks of life and Jenkins said that even those who don’t live in an antique colonial or Victorian home are still wise to add a few tasteful antiques to their furniture collection. “Actually I think antiques look great in contemporary homes. Some antiques actually seem to showcase better in a contemporary setting,” he said.

Whether you’re in the market for a pre-Civil War bed, a 19th Century Scottish armoire or antique conversation piece Leonards should be at the top of your list. By taking advantage of Jenkins’ experience, expertise and contacts, customers will never have to second-guess their purchase. Antique enthusiasts who haven’t yet discovered Leonards fine collection of antique American and European furniture are in for a treat.

Fern & Acorn pattern, Cranberry Glass, CA 1880

In the first place, being in the antique business and not collecting anything would probably mean you were in the wrong field. Ihave many collections and would like to share one with you along with some basic rules of thumb.

One of my favorite things about developing a collection is the memories that accumulate over time. In one quick glance at a piece, I can tell you where I was, what the weather was like and who I spoke with. What dimension collecting can add to a trip!

One of my own personal favorites is my collection of syrups - pictured here are just a few. A good idea when starting out is to avoid mainstream - such as duck decoys or canes. These areas are already very competitive and, therefore, expensive. The most important factor, as in anything, you have to like the form.

Diamond point pattern, Clear glass, CA 1860s

The original part of my collection was started by my grandmother, Adelaide, some 75 years ago. Her collection was arranged along the tall, narrow sidelights by her front door. I remember admiring the display as a boy when I walked into her house - great shapes and colors. I also remember having to be very careful when handling the pitchers - especially if someone was watching!

Coin Spot pattern, swirled opalescent glass, dated 1882

Not only is building a collection fascinating, it also makes it easier for friends and relatives to plan a gift. In fact, over the last 12 years, my parents have wrapped up a “new” syrup for me each holiday.

One last note - don’t collect damaged goods. For those of you so inclined, enjoy the hunt. For me it’s better than golf!

Just like clothing, hats, handbags and shoes go in and out of fashion; the same is true of American furniture in this country. Here are a few quick rules of thumb to help identify the style and age of a chest of drawers:

Rhode Island Chippendale Chest in Cherry, CA 1760

Chippendale (CA 1760-1780)

A stack of 4, 5, 6 or (rarely) 7 graduated drawers sit atop a molded bracket base or ball-and-claw feet. The drawer construction will feature bold hand-cut dovetails in front and back. The underside or bottom of the case will be dovetailed as well. The top would also be dovetailed - some blind, some exposed. The handles are simple bails with rosette backs or a batwing type of shield.

Hepplewhite (CA 1780 -1810)

The cabinet-makers of this era make an attempt to streamline their work. Artistic use of veneers and inlays, shaped bowfront drawers and graceful, flared bracket feet are often formed as extensions of the sides. The brasses are typically oval and often are embossed with thistles, flowers, birds or other fanciful motifs.

Hepplewhite Four Drawer Tiger Maple Chest, CA 1810

Sheraton (CA 1810 - 1840)

Oval “pulls” give way to round handles in brass or wood during this time period. Rather than standing on feet that are splayed and tapered, the base is formed by round, turned “legs.” Fine Sheraton pieces have very delicate turnings and fancy veneers glued over native pine.

Empire (CA 1840 - 1860)

These pieces could be described as Sheraton on steroids. Massive drawers with large and showy brass or wood knobs, heavier tunings and carved columns flanking the drawers characterize this style. In the antique business, this style hasn’t seen its heyday yet. Although good Empire sells well, 70% of the pieces are still viewed as cumbersome despite great material and craftsmanship.

The guidelines I’ve outlined here just scratch the surface - a little knowledge on any topic can be a dangerous thing. I always tell my customers, buy what you like; you are the person who will live with it. Buy the best you can afford; view it as waterfront property. Do business with reputable dealers who will stand behind what they sell.

French Marquetry Marble Top Console, CA 1860

Awareness toward reuse and recycling in the US seems to be at an all time high. I even found myself buying cloth bags at the local Stop & Shop to save paper and avoid using plastics that remain in some landfill for hundreds of years.

Thinking about this and the antique business – reuse and recycling is exactly what antiques are all about. Who in their right mind would throw away an antique anything? You just don’t. For years, people have been visiting flea markets, auctions, estate sales and shops – looking for that special find. Three things usually are true. The piece was at one time cherished by the original owner and handed down in the family. It is made well and has seen generations of service.

Except in a few rare instances when something is all original and functional, it probably needs a bit of TLC or restoration. Once restored, the piece will serve future generations who will continue to admire its beauty and enjoy the added “character” that comes with age. I’m pleased to think that Leonards was green long before it was fashionable.

Keep in mind, only restore when necessary. You don’t want to overdo repairs and devalue your latest investment. However, be mindful of the fact that most of what turns up at auction, shops and estate sales will need or has had attention. When it comes to antiques, reuse and recycling have less impact on the environment and bring value to your home.

Back in the 70s when I was learning the ins and outs of the antique business, there were plenty of places to look for that great “find.” Everyone seemed to be chasing these same things – baskets, decoys, crocks with blue decoration, country furniture in old paint, of course, and Remingtons. In 1972, the Bronco Buster sold for $75,000 – one of the 1905-1906 series. To find one would be the equivalent of hitting the jackpot.

I hadn’t thought about Remington Bronzes in years…and never did find one of the originals. Outside of collections and the most respected auction houses, they simply aren’t available. Today, the Bronco Buster that sold in 1972 would be worth upwards of $350,000.

The antique business continues to surprise me. Just recently, for example, one of my longtime customers was downsizing his home and asked if I would consider giving him some advice. I arrived at his home and walked into what seemed like Remington bronze heaven – very exciting! Although none were first editions, it certainly brought back memories of the ones that got away. While antiquing, they remain something to keep an eye out for – chances are that they are recast but many that were done during the 70s were done quite well and in limited editions. As long as they are fairly priced, they are wonderful sculptures to own. Happy hunting – you just never know.

Frederick Remington (1861-1909) cast 22 different subjects such as The Outlaw, The Buffalo Horse and Mountain Man in an Old West theme. The original molds were destroyed after the death of his wife, Eva Remington in 1918.