Are you a budding antiquing enthusiast curious about how to date cushman furniture? You have come to the right place! With over 100 years of producing quality American-made woodwork, it is no surprise that those wishing to add mid-century charm to their home turn to this iconic brand.
If you want to buy Cushman furniture, the first step is to check for any stamps or labels on the item. Don’t worry if you can’t find any, as not all furniture pieces have them.
In this blog post, we will walk you through all the small details and telltale signs of authenticity so that you can confidently select vintage Cushman furniture for your décor needs. So whether you are an experienced collector or new at discovering antique gems, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with a piece from Cushman – let’s get started!
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first review what you need to start dating Cushman furniture:
- A flashlight and magnifying glass.
- Knowledge of woodwork and styles from the 20th century.
- Pictures of Cushman furniture for reference, in case your piece has no markings or labels.
Now that you have all the tools, let’s examine your Cushman furniture.
10 Easy Steps on How to Date Cushman Furniture
Step 1. Check for a Label or Stamp:
Start by thoroughly inspecting your furniture piece for any Cushman labels or stamps. These are usually found on the back or bottom of the furniture. The presence of a label is a strong indicator that you have an authentic Cushman piece.
Cushman labels evolved, so the style of the label can give you a clue about the furniture’s age. For instance, early Cushman labels were simple and rectangular with black text on a white or silver background, while later labels became more elaborate and colorful.
Step 2. Examine the Wood and Construction:
Cushman furniture was made with high-quality hardwoods, like maple and birch. The wood should feel solid and heavy, unlike some of the lighter, cheaper wood used in modern furniture. The construction of Cushman furniture also showcases excellent craftsmanship.
Look for signs of handcrafted workmanship, such as dovetail joints in the drawers. Such details can indicate an older, authentic piece of Cushman furniture.
Step 3. Inspect the Style and Design:
The style and design of your furniture piece can offer substantial clues about its age. Cushman Furniture is known for its classic, streamlined designs that reflect the aesthetics of the mid-20th century.
Early Cushman pieces lean towards the Colonial Revival style, featuring robust, symmetrical structures with ornate detailing. Later designs, influenced by modernism, showcase cleaner lines and minimalist aesthetics.
Step 4. Look at the Hardware:
Hardware used in Cushman furniture also varies with the age of the item. Early pieces often used wooden knobs or simple brass pulls, while later pieces might have more decorative or modern hardware.
Remember, original hardware can be a good indicator of authenticity, but it’s also one of the easiest things to change on furniture. So, while the hardware can provide clues, it should not be the only factor you rely on when dating your Cushman furniture.
Step 5. Consider the Finish and Patina:
The finish of your Cushman furniture can give you a wealth of information about its age. Older pieces typically have an oil or shellac finish with a uniquely warm and deep glow resulting from decades of oxidation.
This is referred to as ‘patina.’ It’s a quality that simply can’t be replicated in newer pieces. On the other hand, later Cushman pieces may have a lacquer or varnish finish, which is more durable and has a glossier appearance.
Step 6. Assess the Upholstery:
If your Cushman piece has upholstery, it can also provide insights into the age of the furniture. Early Cushman pieces may have upholstery made of durable materials like leather or heavy fabrics in rich, deep hues.
Seat cushions and backrests from the early 20th century often had horsehair or straw filling. Later pieces, particularly those from the mid-century modern period, feature lighter, synthetic materials and more vibrant, patterned designs.
Step 7. Research the Provenance:
Provenance, or the history of ownership, can be valuable in dating your Cushman furniture. If you purchased the piece from a reputable antique dealer, they should be able to provide you with some information about its history. If not, you can track down clues yourself. Look for any signs of previous repairs, modifications, or restorations. These can provide clues about the furniture’s age.
Step 8. Consult a Specialist:
If you still need to decide the age of your Cushman furniture after following the previous steps, it might be beneficial to consult an antique furniture appraiser or specialist. These professionals have extensive knowledge about different periods and styles of furniture, and they can often provide a more specific age range for your piece based on their expertise.
Step 9. Use Online Resources:
There are numerous online resources available for antique furniture enthusiasts. Websites and online forums dedicated to antique furniture can be a goldmine of information. You can find images of different Cushman furniture pieces from various eras, discussions about various design elements and construction techniques, and even discussions about different types of labels and stamps.
Step 10. Trust Your Instincts:
Last but not least, trust your instincts. If you’ve spent time learning about Cushman furniture and how to date it, you’ve developed an educated eye. If a piece feels authentic to you and you love it, that’s what truly matters. Enjoy the process of learning about and collecting Cushman furniture, and remember that each piece has its own unique story to tell.
By following these ten easy steps to date Cushman furniture, you should be able to accurately determine the age and authenticity of any piece in your collection. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about buying or selling antique furniture.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Ensure that the Cushman furniture has a manufacturer’s mark. This will help you identify the exact age and origin of your furniture and any previous owners.
- Look for common Cushman design features such as metal frames or four-corner posts. This will give you an indication of the style and period the piece was made in.
- Check for signatures or other labels that may explain who the manufacturer was and when it was made.
- Examine the hardware used in the construction of the furniture. This can give you a clue as to how old it is since certain hardware styles were more popular in different eras.
- Look closely at any fabric used on your Cushman furniture. Some fabrics used in the past can be distinguished from newer fabrics, giving you a better idea of when it was made.
By following these tips and tricks, you can easily identify your Cushman furniture and accurately date it so you can appreciate its history. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll better understand how previous generations have loved and cherished your unique piece of furniture.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Only attempt to refinish or restore your Cushman furniture after doing thorough research first. This could damage the piece and decrease its value.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products on Cushman furniture, as these can easily strip away the finish of the wood or fabric.
- Refrain from placing your Cushman furniture in direct sunlight, which can cause fading or discoloration of the wood and fabric.
- Try to avoid placing your Cushman furniture in damp, humid areas, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Never use products such as waxes or polishes on your Cushman furniture without first consulting a professional.
By remembering these tips, you can ensure that your Cushman furniture lasts for generations to come. With proper maintenance and preservation, you can keep your piece of history looking and feeling its best for many years.
How Do You Clean Cushman Furniture?
Cushman furniture is an investment that requires proper cleaning to maintain its value. To clean your Cushman furniture, gently remove any dust and debris from the surface of the wood or fabric using a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner.
You can spot-clean specific areas with a solution of mild dish soap and water if needed. Be sure not to use any abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch the surface of the wood.
Once you’ve finished cleaning your Cushman furniture, it’s important to protect it from future damage by applying a protective wax or furniture polish. This will help keep your piece looking its best and restore its original luster. Additionally, consider placing felt pads on the bottom of your Cushman furniture to prevent scratches on the floor.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Cushman furniture is kept in pristine condition so generations can enjoy it.
Conclusion
How to date cushman furniture can be an enjoyable, rewarding process. With a few simple steps, you can find out the age of a piece and its history. Starting with the company logo is important for the research process, as it provides valuable information about when the piece was manufactured.
Once you know the company logo, researching manufacturer catalogs or checking for online guides to Cushman furniture will be helpful to give more specific dates and details about your piece. Remember that scouring antique stores and estate sales is enjoyable and can provide plenty of clues to help you successfully date your newly acquired Cushman piece.
As a general rule, remember that older pieces tend to be made with craftsmanship and precision unmatched by modern day replicas. Happy hunting!
