Dating english oak chests
08-Oct-2020 03:06
Tiny angled saw cuts were followed by careful cutting by a sharpened chisel on both sides to avoid splintering.
One board had tiny “tails,” and the other had the larger “pins,” carefully measured to match and fit together exactly.
Here is an early example of machine-cut dovetails on a 1920's sideboard from a dining set: European cabinetmakers continued to produce hand-cut dovetails through the 1930's.
Electric power tools, like routers and various types of saws were put into widespread use after World War II in the 1940's.
The earliest form of antique blanket chests were otherwise known as antique coffers.
There are a wide range of antique mule chests, usually from the Georgian/Regency period, antique bedding boxes normally in pine from the Victorian and Edwardian period, many are upholstered and great decorative pieces.
The use of hand tools and hand-cut dovetails is now the province of hobbyists and a few small shops creating authentic replicas of antique furniture.
Nevertheless, by the 1950's, power tools were used in almost all furniture construction across Great Britain.Dovetail joints often hold two boards together in a box or drawer, almost like interlocking the fingertips of your hands.As the dovetail joint evolved through the last one hundred thirty years, it becomes a clue for the age and authenticity of antique furniture.Hand made screws and nails were relatively expensive and could rust and expand, sometimes cracking the wood they secured. Dovetails have great strength, holding pieces of wood in perfect alignment over long periods of time.
This lavishly hand-carved cabinet from about 1890 shows structural dovetail joints on the back side. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques. Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.