Chippendale
Chippendale furniture — named for London cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, whose 1754 pattern book defined the style — is the most collected American period furniture. Ball-and-claw feet, cabriole legs, pierced splat chair backs, and carved acanthus detail are its hallmarks. American examples from Philadelphia, Newport, Boston, and New York are among the most valuable antiques produced in this country. Austin Auction Gallery sells and appraises Chippendale furniture.
What it's Worth
Signed or documented American period Chippendale pieces are among the most valuable American antiques: a Philadelphia highboy can bring $50,000–$500,000+ and signed Newport block-front pieces have sold for millions. Unsigned but attributable American pieces in original surface bring $5,000–$50,000+ depending on quality and region. English period pieces typically bring $1,000–$20,000. Quality 20th-century reproductions by Kittinger, Councill, and similar makers bring $500–$5,000 depending on quality and documentation. Colonial revival production pieces bring $200–$1,500.
Quality reproductions $500–$5,000; English period pieces $1,000–$20,000; American period pieces $5,000–$500,000+