Have you encountered furniture marked “Henry Link” and wondered who the designer is? Are there any distinguishing characteristics to look for when identifying such pieces, or does it all simply boil down to circumstance? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will explore ways of identifying Henry Link furniture – from its signature design elements to tips on detecting authenticity.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector searching for that perfect addition or a curious onlooker wanting to learn more about these classic American-made treasures, this guide has what you need.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Henry Link furniture, its signature design details, and how to tell if a piece is truly authentic. So dive in as we explore various methods for pinpointing how to identify henry link furniture.
What Will You Need?
- A Keen Eye for Detail: Henry Link Furniture is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, so look out for the small touches that make it stand out.
- An Understanding of Woodwork: Knowing how to identify different types of wood will be useful when assessing antique or vintage pieces.
- Patience and Research: As with most antiques, tracking down the necessary information may take some time.
10 Easy Steps on How to Identify Henry Link Furniture
Step 1: Check for Signatures or Stamps
Henry Link furniture usually carries a tag or stamp signifying its authenticity. Look for the “Henry Link” signature or company logo typically found on the furniture’s back, bottom, or inside drawers. These marks could be inked, carved, or etched, so check all corners and hidden spots. Although not all pieces might carry this signature, its presence confirms that you have a genuine Henry Link piece.
Step 2: Examine the Craftsmanship
Henry Link Furniture is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship. Pay close attention to the intricate details – the quality of the wood, the finish, and the hardware used. Henry Link pieces typically display superior craftsmanship, with smooth, well-fitted joints and finely finished surfaces. The hardware, such as hinges, handles, and knobs, are also typically of high quality and unique design. If the piece you are examining shows signs of excellent workmanship and attention to detail, it could very well be a Henry Link.
Step 3: Identify the Furniture Style
Henry Link Furniture is best known for incorporating various design styles, from mid-century modern to traditional classic. Some collections may feature an element of Oriental influence, while others may draw on Art Deco or Victorian inspirations.
Recognizing the style can offer significant clues about the piece’s origin. Research different design periods and compare the features with your furniture piece. You may have found your match if the style aligns with known Henry Link collections.
Step 4: Research Notable Collections
Henry Link is known for several notable collections. Some of these include the Bali Hai, Dixie, Mandarin, and Wicker collections, each with its own distinct style and characteristics. The Bali Hai collection, for instance, is known for its tropical motif, while the Wicker collection features furniture made from woven wicker.
Familiarize yourself with these collections and look for similarities in the piece you’re examining. It could be a genuine Henry Link piece if it aligns with a specific collection.
Step 5: Verify the Material
Henry Link Furniture is known for its quality materials, including fine wood, wicker, and rattan. The type of material used often hints at the authenticity of the piece.
For instance, Bali Hai items are typically made from wood with a faux bamboo finish, while the Wicker collection, as the name suggests, features furniture constructed from woven wicker. If the piece’s material matches what is typically used in Henry Link furniture, you may have a genuine item.
Step 6: Consult a Professional
If you still need to figure out the authenticity of your Henry Link furniture piece, consulting with a professional appraiser or antique dealer may be beneficial.
They can provide expert insight and confirm the authenticity of your piece based on their extensive knowledge and experience. Remember, while there might be a cost associated with getting a professional opinion, it can often pay off in the long run, especially when accurately valuing your furniture.
Step 7: Consider the Age of the Piece
Henry Link furniture was primarily produced during the mid-20th century. Therefore, the age of the furniture can be a crucial factor in determining its authenticity. Look for signs of age, such as patina on the wood, wear and tear in areas of frequent use, and fading in areas exposed to sunlight.
While some wear and tear could be due to use and age, excessive distress might indicate artificially aged reproductions. Also, pay attention to the type and style of the hardware. Older screws and nails have a different appearance compared to those used in furniture today.
Step 8: Examine the Joinery
The quality of construction is a defining characteristic of Henry Link furniture. Examine the way the piece is put together. Dovetail joints are a common feature in many pieces, signaling quality construction. These joints, which involve interlocking pieces of wood, are much stronger and more durable than those simply glued or nailed together. If you see dovetail joints in your piece, it might indicate that it is a genuine Henry Link.
Step 9: Price and Value
Genuine Henry Link furniture is highly valued in the marketplace due to its design, craftsmanship, and rarity. If you find a piece being sold for a meager price, be cautious. While bargains do exist, a piece of Henry Link furniture will generally command a higher price than generic furniture of the same period.
Step 10: Trust Your Gut
Lastly, trust your instincts. If a piece of furniture seems too good to be true regarding price, quality, and design, it probably is. Collecting and identifying furniture should be a joyous process, so don’t let doubt overshadow your experience. If you have any hesitations about a piece, it’s always better to wait and find something that you’re confident is genuine.
In conclusion, identifying Henry Link furniture can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a deeper appreciation for design and craftsmanship. Hopefully, these steps will provide you with a solid foundation to start your journey. Happy hunting!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Moreover, you can also pay attention to the wood grain. Henry Link furniture is made of high-quality wood and veneers. These materials are usually identified by their distinctive grain pattern and texture.
- Similarly, look for hardware details such as nails, screws, locks, or any other type of metal fittings on the furniture. Usually, these details will be distinctive and can be used to identify Henry Link furniture.
- Furthermore, note the furniture piece’s overall shape and proportions. Due to its high-quality craftsmanship, Henry Link furniture usually has a distinct symmetrical or geometrical shape compared to other types of furniture.
- Examine the upholstery fabric as well; Henry Link pieces usually have a unique detail or pattern.
- Finally, look for any signature labels that may be present within the furniture items. These labels will often help confirm that the piece is a Henry Link product.
By considering all of these factors, it is possible to accurately identify whether you are looking at genuine Henry Link Furniture. With the help of these tips, you can be sure that you are investing in high quality and timeless furniture pieces for your home.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid buying Henry Link furniture from third-party sellers or antique shops unless you know their authenticity.
- Only purchase second-hand Henry Link furniture after carefully inspecting it for any signs of wear and tear.
- Refrain from being tempted to buy knockoff or unauthorized reproduction pieces that may have been made using subpar materials, as these can be misleading and dangerous.
- Do not purchase a Henry Link piece missing parts or damaged hardware, as this could reduce the item’s value over time.
- Finally, only buy pieces from online retailers with a good reputation for selling genuine items or providing quality customer service. Doing so may lead to a disappointing purchase experience.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that the Henry Link furniture you purchase is of the highest quality and will last you for many years. Investing in genuine Henry Link pieces is undoubtedly worth it, as they always stay in style and become timeless investments over time.
Conclusion
When identifying Henry Link furniture, the craftsmanship and attention to detail is simply stunning. There’s something special about each piece, from the cushioned upholstery to the ornate wood designs. You can be assured of its quality since it has been around for centuries and will continue providing beauty and sophistication in homes for many years.
With proper care and maintenance, owning a piece of Henry Link furniture is an investment in keeping your home looking timelessly elegant. Whether you are shopping for a new addition to your living room or looking for a family heirloom, choosing one that best suits your needs while also adding value to your home can easily become part of the legacy you pass down to generations ahead.
Hopefully, the article on how to identify henry link furniture has helped you better understand how to recognize genuine pieces and avoid buying counterfeits. With these tips, you can confidently shop for high quality furniture that will become a cherished part of your home. Good luck!
