Collectibles-General (Antiques)/wicker?

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Expert: - 2/7/2009


Question
Hi. I am just wondering if there is any easy way for an average person with no real antique or wood expertise to tell the difference between antique wicker furniture and new or reproduction wicker furniture? thank you so much.

Answer
This is a very good question, I'm surprised I haven't been asked this before.
Most of the wicker made during the "Golden Age of Wicker" late 1800s to 1930s, will have a wood frame, usually wood dowels that are steam bent. Most will also have a wood seat frame, then, some type of cane seat installed. New items will have a frame of rattan and usually no seat frame. The seat itself will be woven around the round rattan with no frame at all.The seats on newer items are almost always the first to break because there is no support.
 Another way is by the weight. If you go to one of the shops that sell import stuff and just pick up a few pieces then go to a mall and do the same with some old items, you will feel the difference right away.
I tried not to use the words "always" or "all' because there are always exceptions to the "rule". Some very old wicker furniture was made over a rattan frame but I would doubt we would ever run into one at a tag sale.
I also have to say that there are some very well made items out there that are newly made and one should not pass over them for that reason.
 Thanks again for the question,
  Rob
http://www.andersonsrestorations.com

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson

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We can answer questions about wicker repair and restoration, chair seating[caning-rush-splint-danish cord] furniture refinishing and repair, brass and copper polishing, veneering and veneer repair. WE WILL NOT GIVE APPRAISALS or answer "WHATS IT WORTH" questions. If you want a value, contact us for our current costs for this service.

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Just entered our 40th year doing this work. We started in Fl and have been in NC for the last 15 years. We have a web site www.andersonsrestorations.com where we have alot of information about us and a blog at www.andersons-restorations.blogspot.com where we have many before and after photos of our work.We also are experienced in Fiat Jolly Seats and other automobile seating and work on Horse Drawn Carriage pieces.

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Past president of a historical museum

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Antique Shoppe Newspaper, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine, Antique Lynks Newspaper

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Seminole HS in Seminole FL class of 1965 and some college before entering service. US Army

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Asked to demonstrate seat weaving at the NC Musuem of History, Paleigh, for 3 days. Demonstrated at the Mountain Heritage Festival, Sparta,NC.

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Restoring 35 pieces of wicker for the Governors Mansion, Raleigh,NC paid through private funding.

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