Dating a Globe Wernicke bookcase can be a rewarding experience for antique enthusiasts and collectors alike.
These iconic pieces of furniture, known for their unique stackable design and elegant craftsmanship, have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Understanding the various features, materials, and construction methods used during different periods can help you accurately determine the age of these bookcases. In this guide, we’ll delve into how to date globe wernicke bookcase, ensuring you appreciate its historical significance and value.
What is a Globe Wernicke Bookcase?
A Globe Wernicke bookcase is a distinctive type of sturdy, modular furniture designed for storing books and display items. Originating from the Globe Wernicke Company, founded in 1880 by James A.
Wernicke, these bookcases are renowned for their unique design which allows for stacking multiple units on top of one another, enabling customization to fit various spaces.
The bookcases often feature beautiful craftsmanship, with rich woods such as oak or mahogany and intricate details like leaded glass doors and ornate molding. Besides their functional appeal, Globe Wernicke bookcases are celebrated for their aesthetic qualities, making them a cherished addition to both traditional and modern interiors.
Why Dating Your Globe Wernicke Bookcase Matters
Dating your Globe Wernicke bookcase is important for several reasons, particularly for collectors and enthusiasts.
Firstly, understanding the age of your bookcase can significantly influence its market value; older pieces, often featuring superior craftsmanship or rare design elements, tend to fetch higher prices among collectors.
Additionally, knowing the period in which your bookcase was made can provide valuable insights into its historical context, allowing you to appreciate its place in furniture design evolution.
Furthermore, accurate dating can assist in restoration efforts, ensuring that any repairs or modifications are in line with the original materials and techniques used at the time of its manufacture. Ultimately, dating your Globe Wernicke bookcase not only enhances your ownership experience but also contributes to the preservation of its history.
10 Methods How to Date Globe Wernicke Bookcase
1. Understanding the History of Globe Wernicke
To accurately date a Globe Wernicke bookcase, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the company’s history. Globe Wernicke, formed in 1899 through the merger of Globe Files Company of Cincinnati and Wernicke Company of Minneapolis, became famous for its modular bookcases. These “barrister” bookcases were designed with stacking sections that allowed them to be easily moved and reconfigured.
The company produced these bookcases for several decades, with production peaking in the early to mid-20th century. Familiarizing yourself with the timeline of Globe Wernicke’s production can help you identify the era in which your bookcase was made, providing a foundation for further dating efforts.
2. Identifying the Globe Wernicke Label or Mark
One of the most reliable ways to date a Globe Wernicke bookcase is by locating and examining the label or maker’s mark. Globe Wernicke used a variety of labels throughout its production history, and these can provide crucial information about the date of manufacture. Early bookcases often featured paper labels glued inside the sections, while later versions might have metal tags or stamped markings.
The design, wording, and style of these labels changed over time, reflecting the era in which they were produced.
Carefully inspect your bookcase for any labels, tags, or markings, typically found inside the top or bottom of each section or on the back. Comparing these marks to known examples can give you a good indication of the age of your bookcase.
3. Examining the Construction Materials
The materials used in the construction of a Globe Wernicke bookcase can also offer clues to its age.
Early bookcases were often made from high-quality hardwoods such as oak or mahogany, while later versions might incorporate more affordable woods or veneered surfaces. The type of glass used in the doors is another indicator; earlier models typically featured wavy, hand-blown glass, whereas later versions used machine-made glass, which is smoother and more uniform.
Additionally, the finish on the wood can be telling; early finishes were often hand-applied varnishes or shellacs, while later pieces might have a more polished, factory-applied lacquer. By analyzing the materials and construction techniques, you can narrow down the time period during which your bookcase was made.
4. Studying the Design and Style
The design and style of a Globe Wernicke bookcase can provide significant insights into its age. Over the years, the company produced bookcases in a variety of styles, reflecting the design trends of different eras.
Early examples often feature more ornate details, such as carved moldings or decorative hardware, while later models tend to have a more streamlined, modernist appearance. The shape and proportion of the sections, as well as the design of the feet or base, can also offer clues.
For instance, bookcases from the Arts and Crafts era may have a more robust, simple design, while those from the Art Deco period might feature sleek lines and minimal ornamentation. By comparing your bookcase to known examples from different periods, you can estimate its age.
5. Checking for Patent Dates
Another useful method for dating a Globe Wernicke bookcase is to look for patent dates, which are often stamped on the metal hardware, such as the latches or hinges. These dates can provide a clear indication of the earliest possible manufacture date.
However, it’s important to note that patent dates indicate when the design was registered, not necessarily when the bookcase was made. For instance, a patent date of 1905 on a latch could mean the bookcase was produced any time after that year.
6. Analyzing the Serial Numbers
Some Globe Wernicke bookcases have serial numbers stamped on the sections, usually on the back or inside the case. These numbers can sometimes be used to date the bookcase, particularly if they correspond to production records or catalogs. While not all Globe Wernicke bookcases have serial numbers, those that do can provide valuable information.
If you find a serial number, try to match it with available reference guides or historical documents that list Globe Wernicke production data. The serial number, combined with other dating methods, can help you pinpoint the manufacturing date more precisely.
7. Consulting Original Catalogs and Advertisements
Consulting original Globe Wernicke catalogs and advertisements can be an effective way to date your bookcase.
These materials often include detailed descriptions, illustrations, and prices for the various bookcase models and configurations available at different times. By finding a match between your bookcase and a catalog entry, you can determine its approximate age. Libraries, antique dealers, and online resources may have copies of these catalogs or advertisements.
Additionally, old advertisements in magazines or newspapers can sometimes be found, offering a glimpse into the marketing and sales practices of the time.
8. Researching the Manufacturing Locations
Globe Wernicke had several manufacturing locations over its long history, and knowing where your bookcase was made can help narrow down its date of production.
For example, early Globe Wernicke bookcases were primarily produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, but as the company expanded, additional factories were established in other cities and even abroad.
Some bookcases may have labels or markings indicating their place of manufacture, which can be cross-referenced with historical records of the company’s operations.
9. Examining the Hardware and Joinery Techniques
The hardware and joinery techniques used in the construction of your Globe Wernicke bookcase can also offer important dating clues.
Early bookcases often feature dovetail joints, hand-cut or machine-cut, which were common in high-quality furniture before the widespread use of mass production techniques.
Later models might have simpler, machine-made joints.
The type of screws or nails used can also be telling; early screws were often handmade, with slightly irregular threads, while later versions used more uniform, machine-made screws.
The latches, hinges, and other metal hardware might also change over time, with different styles or materials indicating different periods of manufacture.
10. Seeking Expert Appraisal or Consultation
If you’re having difficulty dating your Globe Wernicke bookcase using the above methods, seeking an expert appraisal or consultation can be invaluable. Antique furniture appraisers or dealers with experience in Globe Wernicke products can provide insights based on years of expertise and access to specialized reference materials.
They can help identify subtle features or details that might be overlooked by a novice, offering a more accurate estimate of the bookcase’s age. Additionally, joining online forums or groups dedicated to antique furniture enthusiasts can provide access to a community of knowledgeable collectors who may be able to help with your research.
Conclusion
Dating a Globe Wernicke bookcase involves a multifaceted approach that requires careful examination of various elements, including materials, design, patent dates, serial numbers, and manufacturing locations.
By utilising these methods, collectors and enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the history and authenticity of their bookcases. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to date globe wernicke bookcase!
