dating antique drawer pulls, check these out | How do I identify drawer pulls?

How do I identify drawer pulls?

To tell age and time period of drawer pulls, look at appearance and construction of handles. Styles include Chippendale Drawer Pulls, Hepplewhite Handles, Victorian Pulls, Arts and Crafts Mission Pulls and the classic Bail Pull, to name just a few. Choose handles that are authentically reproduced.

What are antique drawer handles made of?

Drawer pulls are most commonly made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. It’s a tradition that dates to the William and Mary period when round drop pulls were cast. These early round or pear shaped pulls were usually flat or hollow on the back.

How can you tell the age of a screw?

Screws were not made completely by machine until 1848. So if you find a furniture item using screws that have completely rounded shafts, pointed ends, and perfectly finished heads with matching cuts (much like a screw you would purchase today), the piece likely dates to the mid-19th century or later.

How do you date an old chest of drawers?

If the handles are original it will give a very good indication of the age of the chest. A pear drop handle will suggest the chest will be William and Mary or Queen Anne period whereas a swan neck handle would be found on pieces that post date 1750. Drawer mouldings will also give an indication of the age of the chest.

What does center to center mean on drawer pulls?

The Center-to-Center of any drawer pull is the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. Measuring the center-to-center of the drawer pull is key in determining what new hardware will fit and whether you’ll need to drill new mounting holes or fit into existing ones.

How do I know if my drawer pulls are brass?

The way to tell if something is solid brass, or only brass plated is with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the piece, it’s brass plated. If it doesn’t, do one further test, just to be sure it’s not actually brass plating on top of another non-magnetic metal. Test by scratching an inconspicuous area with a sharp knife.

How old is furniture with flat head screws?

Country furniture made with these screws can easily be dated to the 10-year period 1846 to 1856. Around the time of the Industrial Revolution, about 1860, the methods of making nails, screws, hinges and latches, and of milling lumber, changed often. Each change is documented, and most are patented.

How do you clean old drawer pulls?

To maintain their elegance, clean pulls and knobs by spraying with a mild, soapy solution or a mixture of water and vinegar. Either way, do not let water sit on the hardware for too long as it can warp or swell the wood. You could also rub gently with a toothbrush to remove tougher stains.

Is there an app to help identify antiques?

Find out how valuable your antiques are with ValueMyStuff.

How do I identify an antique?

An antique is a piece of furniture with special value due its age, especially one with fine artistry or craftmanship. Many antique stores will say that items 50 years or older are considered antique, while antique dealers might define it as 150 years or older.

What year were screws used in furniture?

The use of metal screws as fasteners began in Europe in the 15th century. The screw was used in furniture but did not become a common woodworking fastener until efficient machine tools were developed near the end of the 18th century. The earliest record of lathe made wood screws dates to an English patent of 1760.

How do you tell if a chest of drawers is antique?

Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.

How much is a vintage steamer trunk worth?

The average American made antique trunk is worth about $100 to $300 depending on the style, size and condition. If fully restored prices can be anywhere from $400 to $1300.