Are you looking for a reliable way how to identify maitland smith furniture? With over forty years of expertise crafting quality goods, this distinctive brand has made its mark on the furniture industry.
Known for their attention to detail and luxurious materials, it is easy to see why so many choose Maitland-Smith when searching for timeless pieces that have become a part of their home’s décor. This blog post will explore how you can quickly and confidently spot genuine Maitland Smith furnishings such as desks, chairs, tables, and more!
We will guide you through distinguishing features like gilt accents or leather inlays so that when browsing at an estate sale or auction house—you can feel confident about nabbing yourself some high caliber antiques from one of the world’s most renowned brands.
What Will You Need?
The first thing you need to identify Maitland Smith furniture is a good eye! Pay attention to the craftsmanship, materials, and accents used on each piece. These pieces are usually made of mahogany wood with intricate metal designs or gilt accents that can make them stand out from other antiques. Additionally, look for leather inlays which are common on many pieces made by the brand.
10 Easy Steps on How to Identify Maitland Smith Furniture:
Step 1. Examine the Company’s Signature or Label
The first and most obvious sign of Maitland Smith furniture is the presence of the company’s signature or label. This may be found on the underside or back of the piece. The label could be either a metal plate or a paper label. The signature could be etched, printed, or hand-written. The company has used different signatures and labels throughout the years, but they all typically contain “Maitland-Smith.”
Step 2. Check the Quality and Type of Materials Used
Maitland-Smith is known for using high-quality, luxurious materials in its furniture designs. Look for pieces made from mahogany, brass, or leather—common materials used by the brand.
The wood should be heavy and sturdy, and the metal accents, like brass or bronze, should have a distinctive, aged patina. Leather surfaces are often embossed or tooled. The use of these high-end materials is a telltale sign of Maitland-Smith furniture.
Step 3. Inspect the Craftsmanship
Maitland-Smith Furniture is known for its exceptional craftsmanship. The attention to detail is second to none and should be quite clear when you inspect a piece closely. Look for intricate carvings, precise inlays, and impeccable finishing.
The joints should be tight and seamless, with no signs of glue or filler. The hardware, such as drawer pulls and hinges, should be high quality and function smoothly. This level of craftsmanship is a signature of Maitland-Smith and a good indicator you have found an authentic piece.
Step 4. Look for Unique Design Elements
Maitland-Smith furniture often features distinctive design elements that set it apart from other furniture brands. These can include hand-painted details, unusual shapes or themes, and the creative use of mixed materials. For example, you may find a piece with a beautifully hand-painted chinoiserie scene or a table that skillfully combines brass, marble, and wood. These unique design elements, combined with the high quality materials and craftsmanship already mentioned, can be strong indicators that you’re looking at an authentic Maitland-Smith piece.
Step 5. Recognize the Style and Aesthetic
Maitland-Smith furniture is often distinguished by its eclectic style that blends traditional elegance with exotic influences. Many pieces showcase a mix of Art Deco, Asian, and English design elements. Look for the inclusion of detailed animal figures, foliage motifs, and architectural shapes.
The brand’s aesthetic is also characterized by a sense of grandeur—pieces might feature elaborate carvings, substantial sizes, or bold, dramatic lines. Recognizing this unique fusion of styles can be extremely helpful in identifying Maitland-Smith furniture.
Step 6. Consider the Furniture’s Proportions
Maitland-Smith furniture often exhibits proportions that are visually balanced and harmonious. This stems from the brand’s commitment to classic design principles. Look for symmetry in the furniture’s design elements and balance in the use of materials and colors.
For instance, a Maitland-Smith table might have a heavy, robust base balanced by a lighter, more delicate tabletop. Similarly, a Maitland-Smith chair could perfectly balance its upholstered parts and its wooden or metal frame. Understanding these design principles can help you identify Maitland-Smith furniture.
Step 7. Refer to Maitland-Smith Catalogs
Referencing Maitland-Smith’s official catalogs can provide useful insights for identifying their furniture. These catalogs contain detailed illustrations and descriptions of various pieces produced over the years.
If you can match a piece of furniture you’re considering to a similar one in the catalog, there’s a good chance you’re looking at an authentic Maitland-Smith piece. Remember, however, that individual pieces may have slight variations due to the handcrafted nature of their furniture.
Step 8. Check for Age and Patina
Over time, Maitland-Smith furniture develops a unique patina that adds to its charm and authenticity. When identifying a piece, check for signs of age, such as gentle wear on the edges, light scratching on the surface, or a deepening of color in the wood.
Brass or metal accents may show a naturally aged patina. Remember, while minor signs of wear can indicate authenticity, significant damage or restoration might affect the piece’s value.
Step 9. Consult an Expert
If you still need to figure out the authenticity of a piece, feel free to consult a furniture expert or antique dealer. They have the experience and knowledge to confirm whether a piece is a genuine Maitland-Smith and can provide additional insights about its period and value. Many antique dealers offer consultation services, and some may even provide documentation of authenticity.
Step 10. Trust Your Intuition
Finally, trust your gut feeling. If a piece feels well-designed, well-made, and sturdy, it will likely be a genuine Maitland-Smith. Plus, if you love the piece and it fits perfectly in your space, that’s arguably the most important thing, regardless of its origin. After all, the ultimate goal is to curate a collection that reflects your personal style and taste.
By following these steps, you can identify Maitland-Smith furniture with ease and confidence. With a little research, observation, and intuition, you can ensure that any piece you choose is of the highest quality and will be an excellent addition to your home. Good luck!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If the furniture piece has a label, it will likely be made by Maitland Smith. Look for labels that say ‘Maitland Smith’ or have their logo beside them.
- Examine the type of metal used in the frame and hardware – Maitland Smith is known for using brass, bronze, and iron in their pieces.
- Look for intricate details like inlay, carvings, or embossed leather – these are signature features of the Maitland Smith furniture range.
- Check for quality craftsmanship and traditional construction methods, such as dovetail joints and hand-tooled hardware.
- Lastly, be mindful that Maitland Smith is an exclusive brand, and many of their pieces have limited runs. Authentic Maitland Smith furniture is rare and valuable.
If you are still trying to decide if Maitland Smith makes a piece, take it to an expert for further advice. With the right knowledge, you can ensure that your purchase is authentic from this renowned furniture company.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Only buy Maitland Smith furniture from a trustworthy source.
- Avoid buying Maitland Smith furniture pieces that have been significantly altered, such as furniture with missing parts, cracks in the frame, or damage to the finish.
- Be wary of any too cheap pieces – this could be a sign that it is not a genuine Maitland Smith piece.
- Pay attention to the presence of cheaper woods or metals, such as pine or aluminum – these are signs that the furniture is not authentic.
- Do not purchase any pieces from unauthorized resellers who claim access to exclusive Maitland Smith products – these are likely counterfeit pieces.
With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your Maitland Smith furniture collection is authentic and of the highest quality.
What Style is Maitland-smith?
Maitland Smith furniture is designed with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. The brand draws inspiration from styles throughout the centuries, such as Baroque, English Chippendale, and French Rococo. The pieces are crafted carefully, featuring intricate carvings, inlays, and embossed leather.
Maitland Smith is also known for their range of beautiful and intricate lighting fixtures. These pieces feature classic and contemporary elements, including crystal accents, gold-plated frames, and delicate shades.
No matter what style you choose, Maitland Smith furniture ensures that your home will be filled with timeless beauty and sophistication. With their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, it is easy to see why Maitland Smith furniture pieces are so sought after.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding Maitland Smith furniture to your home décor can be an excellent choice. Just by closely examining the craftsmanship and construction of the furniture pieces, you can easily tell if they are authentic products from Maitland Smith.
Additionally, checking for manufacturing stamps or labels with Maitland Smith’s name can help determine whether the piece is genuine from this renowned manufacturer. Furthermore, being wary of prices that seem too good to be true – although it’s not always an indicator of whether it’s a real Maitland Smith piece – can also protect you against investing in knockoff items.
Finally, researching how to identify maitland smith furniture before buying one can ensure a happy and satisfied purchase! Identifying genuine Maitland pieces isn’t hard, but with persistence and curiosity, we can all find beautiful furniture for our homes built to last us years!
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