Dating Kittinger furniture can be a fascinating and rewarding endeavor for antique enthusiasts and collectors alike. Established in 1866, the Kittinger Company has a long-standing reputation for crafting high-quality, handcrafted furniture pieces that are admired for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
Understanding the age and authenticity of Kittinger furniture not only enhances its value but also deepens your appreciation of each piece’s unique story and heritage. This guide on how to date kittinger furniture will provide you with essential tips and insights to help you accurately determine the age of Kittinger furniture, ensuring that you can distinguish between genuine antiques and modern reproductions.
What is Kittinger Furniture?
Kittinger Furniture is known for its traditional, elegant style and impeccable craftsmanship, making it a highly sought-after brand in the antique market. The company was founded by George J. Kittinger in Buffalo, New York, and has been producing high-quality furniture since its inception.
Initially, Kittinger furniture specialized in crafting custom-made pieces for wealthy clients across the United States. However, with their growing popularity and demand for their products, they eventually began mass producing furniture to meet the needs of a wider audience.
Over the years, Kittinger Furniture has undergone several changes in ownership and location, but its reputation for quality and excellence has remained consistent. Today, the company is owned by Heritage Home Group and continues to produce fine furniture under the Kittinger name.
Why Date Kittinger Furniture?
Aside from knowing the age and authenticity of your furniture, dating Kittinger pieces can also provide insights into their historical significance. Many Kittinger designs were inspired by different eras, such as Georgian, Colonial, and Federal styles, making them valuable pieces for collectors interested in specific time periods.
Furthermore, understanding the age of a piece can help determine its rarity and value. Early Kittinger furniture is highly sought-after and can fetch high prices at auctions or antique sales. The company has produced many iconic designs over its long history, which have become significant examples of American furniture craftsmanship.
Needed Materials
A Kittinger Furniture Piece:
To accurately date a Kittinger furniture piece, you will need to have the item in your possession. This guide will provide general tips and techniques, but having the actual piece on hand is crucial as there may be slight variations in construction, materials used, or markings that can affect its age.
Reference Materials:
Having reference materials such as books, catalogs, or online resources on Kittinger furniture can also be helpful in dating a piece. These resources often contain detailed information on specific designs and production years that can aid in determining the age of a particular item.
10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Date Kittinger Furniture
Step 1: Look for Maker’s Marks:
The first step in dating Kittinger furniture is to look for any maker’s marks or labels on the piece. These marks usually consist of the company name and location, which can help narrow down the production time frame. You may also find a date or production number on the piece, which can be useful in determining its age.
It’s important to note that not all Kittinger furniture pieces will have maker’s marks, particularly those made before the 1930s. However, if you do find a mark, it can provide valuable information for dating the piece.
Step 2: Examine the Construction:
Kittinger furniture is known for its sturdy construction and attention to detail. Examine how the piece was put together – are there any visible signs of handcraftsmanship such as dovetail joints or hand-carved details? These are indications of early Kittinger pieces as they were predominantly handmade until the mid-20th century when modern production techniques were introduced.
You should also take note of any hardware used on the piece. Early Kittinger furniture often features brass hardware, while later pieces may use more modern materials such as plastic or aluminum.
Step 3: Take Note of the Style:
Kittinger furniture designs have evolved over the years, and specific styles can help determine a piece’s age. For example, early Kittinger pieces were heavily influenced by Georgian and Federal styles, while later ones incorporated more modern elements such as Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco.
But keep in mind that some styles may have had revivals or been reproduced at different times, so it’s essential to consider other factors when dating a piece.
Step 4: Check for Specific Design Features:
Each design period has distinct features that can help place a piece within a particular time frame. For instance, certain hardware or decorative elements may only have been used during a specific time period, indicating when the piece was made. Reference materials can be useful in identifying these design features.
The Kittinger Company has also been known to reuse designs or incorporate design elements from previous periods, so it’s essential to consider all factors and not rely solely on a particular feature for dating purposes.
Step 5: Research Production Years:
Kittinger furniture has gone through different ownerships and production locations, which can affect the time frame in which a particular design was produced. Conduct some research on when a specific style or design was introduced and how long it was in production to get a better understanding of the age of the piece.
It’s also worth noting that production years can overlap, so it’s crucial to consider other factors as well.
Step 6: Inspect the Wood and Finish:
The type of wood used and the finish on a Kittinger furniture piece can also provide clues for dating. For example, mahogany was a popular wood used in early Kittinger pieces, while maple and cherry were more commonly used in later years.
Additionally, the finish on a piece can also indicate its age. Early Kittinger furniture featured hand-rubbed finishes that have a rich, warm patina over time. Later pieces may have factory-applied finishes that lack the same depth and character.
Step 7: Consider Provenance:
Provenance refers to the history of ownership of an art or antique piece. If you’re lucky enough to have information about who previously owned the Kittinger furniture piece, it can provide valuable insights into its age and authenticity.
For example, if the piece has been in one family for multiple generations or comes with documentation from a reputable source, this information can help confirm or narrow down the piece’s production time frame.
Step 8: Take Note of Any Repairs or Modifications:
If you’ve acquired a Kittinger furniture piece that has undergone repairs or modifications, take note of these changes as they may affect its dating. For example, if a repair was done using modern materials or techniques, it can indicate that the piece is not as old as originally thought.
Modifications made to the original design can also provide clues for dating, as certain design elements or styles may have been popular during a specific time period.
Step 9: Compare to Similar Pieces:
Sometimes, the best way to date Kittinger furniture is by comparing it to similar pieces from the same time period. This can be especially helpful if you’re not able to find any maker’s marks or other identifying features on your piece.
Look for similarities in construction, style, and materials used with other pieces that are known to have been produced during a particular era. This comparison can help narrow down the age of your furniture piece.
Step 10: Seek Expert Opinion:
If you’re still having trouble dating your Kittinger furniture piece, consider seeking the advice and expertise of a professional antique appraiser or furniture specialist. They may have access to additional resources or knowledge that can help determine the age of your piece.
Remember that these steps are guidelines on how to date kittinger furniture, and it’s essential to consider multiple factors when dating Kittinger furniture. With patience and careful examination, you can gain a better understanding of the age and history of your cherished Kittinger pieces. So, keep exploring and learning about this renowned company and its beautiful furniture designs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Kittinger Furniture Pieces Be Dated With Absolute Certainty?
A: While there are certain guidelines and factors that can help determine the age of a piece of Kittinger furniture, dating it with absolute certainty is not always possible. Some pieces may have been produced over an extended period, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact date. Additionally, changes or modifications made to the original design can affect its dating. It’s essential to consider all factors and seek expert opinion for a more accurate estimation of age.
Q: Are All Kittinger Furniture Pieces Valuable?
A: While Kittinger furniture is highly sought after by collectors, not all pieces are considered valuable. Factors such as rarity, condition, and demand can affect the value of a particular piece. The age of the furniture may also play a role in its value, with older pieces typically being more desirable. So, while owning a Kittinger piece can be impressive, it’s important to do proper research and consult experts before determining its value.
Conclusion
Dating Kittinger furniture involves a meticulous process that combines research, observation, and sometimes expert consultation. Understanding the history of the Kittinger Company and recognizing specific design features can offer valuable insights into the age and authenticity of a piece. By considering factors such as maker’s marks, production years, design elements, and provenance, you can create a more comprehensive picture of your furniture’s history.
While it’s not always possible to determine the exact date of a Kittinger piece with absolute certainty, these methods on how to date kittinger furniture can significantly narrow down the time frame and provide a better understanding of your cherished item’s past. As with any antique, patience and thorough investigation are key, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of your Kittinger furniture fully.
