Comments on: Dating Antiques? Check the Joinery

By: Ryan Cunningham

Ryan Cunningham — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:04:47 +0000

I just picked up an oak dresser with Knapp joints from the thrift store for $50. It was incredibly beat up, way beyond acceptable for any standards. So I started stripping it down, putting on a dye stain and should have it lacquered on Monday. Thanks for the info, this really helps a lot. I’ll put up a post & photos on my blog when I get it done.

By: Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:53:02 +0000

Renee – You will need a do-it-yourself lead test kit like this one

http://www.leadinspector.com/?gclid=CMDvrIqDlq0CFdKR7QodbBMelQ

but there are others. Just do a Google search on “test for lead paint yourself”.

Disposal can probably be done through your local landfill on “hazardous waste” day. Otherwise ask your local garbage service for advice.

Good luck. Thanks for posting.

Fred Taylor
Worthologist
http://www.furnituredetective.com
info@furnituredetective.com

By: Renee Pietila

Renee Pietila — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:02:08 +0000

I have a 4 drawer dresser with the Knapp joinery. It has dark brown paint on it that is flaking off in places and doesn’t exist in places. I want to re-finish this piece and use it in a bathroom. My question is how do I know and test to see if this is lead base paint ? If it is what is the safest and proper way to remove it ? Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

Renee

By: robyn

robyn — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:47:39 +0000

I found a partners desk with the knapp joints, green leather top, darker wood (suposedly walnut), key locks on all 8 drawers (4 on each side of desk), but not true functioning key locks…I have photos. I am not sure of the price, which is $700.00. No distiguishing marks or stamps. Would love to know more about it if your interested in seeing a photo?? :)

Thanks.

By: Sheila White

Sheila White — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:05:03 +0000

Besides the Knapp dovetail are there any other distinguishing marks that should be on an original piece? There are no labels. Thanks.

By: Angela Crews

Angela Crews — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:07:26 +0000

I bought a dresser today marked “W.H.H. Holswade, Huntington, WV” with these Knapp joints on the drawers. Holswade made furniture here in Huntington from the late 1880s until the early 1900s, so this fits perfectly.
Thanks!

By: John

John — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:50:31 +0000

Today I picked up a humble family heirloom that was granted to me by my grandmother before she passed away last year, and all that is known about it is that it came from Wisconsin. It looks to be a nightstand, early telephone stand, or commode cabinet. It has a square hinged door, and two drawers with the exact Knapp joint style above!

Unfortunately it has a bit of water damage at the base, and water rings on the top, and a notch cut out of a back corner, but this item has sentimental value because I remember I always loved this cabinet, ever since I can remember it as a kid in my grandmother’s house. Thank you for the information on this website, I’ve learned so much about my table in one afternoon!

By: Leah P.

Leah P. — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:17:21 +0000

Dear Mr. Taylor,
I have a Widdicomb Furniture Company three-drawer chest that is almost identical to the one pictured above on this web page. I have been researching it for years to determine its value, and was so excited to see a picture of it here. I was sure of the furniture company that manufactured it because of the almost completely intact label on the back of the chest, and I learned about its Knapp Joint construction in my earlier research. It is in very good condition. I would love to know something about its value, if there is any way you could tell me that.
Thank you so much,
Leah P.