Are you looking to add a bit of antique charm and unique character to your home? Bassett furniture might be exactly what you’re seeking! Dating back to the early 1900s, these timeless pieces blend style, comfort, and true craftsmanship. But before making your first Bassett addition to your living space, it’s important to learn how to date this special furniture brand.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the dates associated with different eras and styles of Bassett furniture – so that when the time comes for furnishings shopping, you can feel confident in identifying genuine Merchant-era pieces!
So whether you’re completely new or simply brushing up on some knowledge – keep reading as we uncover all there is to know about how to date bassett furniture.
What Will You Need?
Before you can begin to date Bassett furniture accurately, there are a few key materials that you’ll need. The most important tool is undoubtedly an up-to-date reference book on antique furniture – especially if this is your first time navigating through these waters!
In addition to this, some other materials you might need include:
- A magnifying glass
- Knowledge of the different eras and styles of Bassett furniture
- Awareness of what features were exclusive to particular eras or styles
- A ruler (to measure any markings that may be present on the piece)
Once you thoroughly understand the necessary tools, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Date Bassett Furniture
Step 1. Inspect the Bassett furniture:
The first step in dating Bassett furniture is to carefully inspect the item for any marks, signatures, or stamps that could provide clues about its age. These may often be found on the back, bottom, or inside of drawers of the piece. Use your magnifying glass to help spot these small, often overlooked details.
Step 2. Check the Construction Methods:
The second step involves analyzing the construction methods used in the Bassett furniture piece. Older pieces, generally those pre-dating the 1860s, were handmade and featured dovetail joints.
On the other hand, modern pieces are often machine-made and may contain nails or staples. By identifying the construction techniques, you can estimate the era during which the furniture was made.
Step 3. Take Rulings:
If the piece contains any markings, use a ruler to measure its size and spacing – as these measurements can also be used to determine its age.
Measurements that are in fractions of an inch indicate that it was made prior to 1875, while those in decimals were made after this date. Be careful to note any other markings and their locations – as this can also be used to trace the age of the furniture.
Step 4. Analyze the Finish:
The finish on a piece of Bassett furniture can also tell you a lot about its history. The lacquer finishes seen on many pieces prior to 1920 were often glossy or matte, while more modern pieces may feature a glossy, hard-wearing finish. Additionally, older pieces may show signs of wear and tear – such as scratches or fading – that can hint at their age.
Step 5. Consider the Details:
The details found on Bassett furniture can also give you some insight into its era. Look for ornate carvings or detailed motifs – these are often found on Victorian-era pieces and can be used to date the item. Additionally, simpler pieces with less ornate details are typically those produced in the 1920s and later.
Step 6. Check for Brand Labels:
Another great way to identify the age of Bassett furniture is to look for any visible labels or stamps. These often include the company’s name, logo, or a signature from the craftsman who made it. By noting any of these details, you can more accurately pinpoint the date of your piece.
Step 7. Use Reference Books:
Reference books on antique furniture and Bassett pieces are great resources to help you date your furniture. These books are often filled with images of different eras and styles – helping you compare and contrast your item’s features.
Additionally, many feature in-depth descriptions of construction methods and finishes used during each era – making it easier to confidently identify a piece’s age.
Step 8. Look Online:
In addition to reference books, the internet is a great resource for dating Bassett furniture. Many websites dedicated to antique furniture can provide helpful information and images – allowing you to compare your item to those from various eras. Some sites may even allow you to ask an expert about your piece!
Step 9. Investigate the Serial Numbers:
Another way to determine the age of Bassett furniture is to investigate any serial numbers that may be present. Many pieces manufactured after 1960 have a five or 6-digit serial number stamped onto them, which can help you identify their year of production. Some older pieces may also feature a model number – which can also be used to trace the age.
Step 10. Visit a Professional:
If all else fails and you cannot date your Bassett furniture piece accurately, it may be wise to visit a professional. These experts in antique pieces can help give you an accurate assessment of the age and style of your item – giving you peace of mind when making such an investment. Remember that these services can be costly!
By following these steps and tips, you should have the necessary knowledge to date your Bassett furniture accurately!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Always take care when handling antique furniture – even if it appears to be in good condition, there may be hidden damage.
- Make sure to conduct thorough research before making any purchases – this will help you get an initial understanding of the piece and avoid any costly mistakes.
- Be aware that some features or styles can appear similar throughout the years, and not all pieces can be accurately dated.
- Keep a record of all the information you find and take note of any discrepancies that may arise during your investigation. This will help avoid confusion when comparing different eras and styles.
- Try to view other Bassett furniture pieces from a similar era to make sure your piece fits correctly into its timeline. Additionally, visiting a museum or an antique shop can be a great way to find more information and help answer any existing questions.
So go ahead and start your investigation – as knowing the age of your piece can greatly increase its value and appreciation.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t assume that the same company made all Bassett Furniture pieces – as some may have been produced by a subsidiary or under another name.
- Avoid making any drastic attempts at repair or restoration without first consulting an expert – this could potentially cause further damage.
- Refrain from using harsh cleaning products on antique furniture – as they can strip away valuable finishes and cause deterioration.
- Don’t take any shortcuts when conducting your investigation – as accurate results often require a thorough and detailed approach.
- Only purchase pieces after first assessing their condition and age – as this can lead to costly mistakes!
By avoiding these common pitfalls and following the tips above, you should be able to identify the age of your Bassett Furniture confidently. So don’t wait – start your investigation today!
Why is Bassett Furniture So Expensive?
Bassett Furniture is generally considered one of the most expensive furniture brands. This is due to various factors, including the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and materials and its rich history and reputation for creating timeless pieces.
Bassett Furniture has been in operation for over 100 years and takes great pride in offering exceptional quality furniture with a look and feel that will last for years. Additionally, the company is known for its commitment to sustainability – responsibly sourcing materials and creating pieces designed to last.
This dedication to excellence makes Bassett furniture a valuable investment that can be passed on for generations.
Ultimately, investing in Bassett furniture may not be cheap, but it is an investment that pays off in the long run. Not only does it look beautiful and timeless, but it also stands up to wear and tear – making it a great addition to any home. Each piece is made with care and attention to detail, ensuring that it will be treasured for years to come!
Conclusion
Ultimately, how to date bassett furniture can be advantageous. It is an activity for the avid antique enthusiast and a great way to add wonderful pieces to your home decor. With its long history of craftsmanship and quality, Bassett has been embraced by generations of people who appreciate its unique charm.
It’s possible that on your next visit to a thrift store or estate sale, you may be able to take home a beautiful piece of Bassett furniture that changes the atmosphere of a room with something full of stories. We’d encourage you to get out there and see if you can find furniture from this iconic brand!
It could become the pride and joy of your antique collection or bring some life and beauty into your space unexpectedly. Good luck hunting down those precious signs in time!
