One of the most popular shows on television is “Antique Roadshow.” On
this show, people bring in their old items and have them appraised by an antique
seller to see how much they are worth. Often, people will get in the tens of
thousands of dollars for things they didn’t think had any material value. One of the
biggest payers is antique oak furniture, for several reasons. Oak has been used by
craftsmen to make furniture for ages untold. Oak has been fashioned to make chairs
and tables for thousands of years. There is nothing quite like oak furniture to
make you feel like you are a king. The inherent quality of oak makes furniture that
is strong, durable and beautiful. Oak is as elegant as it is strong and people have
known this for a very long time. Working in fine oak are a form of artistry. The
wood just lends itself to good furniture. It only improves with age, too. The soft
patina and rich color of period oak makes it highly collectable. Americans have been
making oak furniture almost since the arrival of Columbus. Since the 1600’s,
furniture makers have been making dressers, plate racks, chests, coffers, and tables
and chairs. Period Oak Joinery techniques have distinguished one generation of oak
from the next. Each period is as distinct as the individual artisns who did the
handiwork. American Oak Furniture is some of the most beautiful and collectible in
the world. The popularity and uniqueness of the styles are as varied as each piece
of hand crafted oak furniture. There are six different styles of furniture
collector’s look for. They are: Colonial period (1620-1780), Jacobean (1620-1720),
Queen Anne (1720-1750), Chippendale (1750-1780), Hepplewhite, Sheraton and
Classical.