How can you tell if a Hitchcock chair is real?

Names, Signatures and ways to identify a genuine piece of Hitchcock: Most genuine Hitchcock furniture will be signed with a stencil name along the back of the chair seat, under the table top, or along the back of a dresser or hutch. Many pieces will say: “L. Hitchcock, Hitchcocks-ville, Conn.

How much are antique Hitchcock chairs worth?

Lambert Hitchcock would probably be pleased with what some of his earliest chairs are worth today. An original Hitchcock chair in good condition is easily worth $200-$300 and a set of four could be worth $1200 or more. That is quite a contrast from the original price of around $1.50 per chair.

Are all Hitchcock chairs stenciled?

ALL HITCHCOCK CHAIRS MADE FROM 1948 ON WILL HAVE THE “HCCo” STAMPED ON THE BOTTOM. Hitchcock chairs of today were blueprinted from antiques. Hitchcock chair co. agreed to stamp every piece so people would not confuse them with antiques.

Are Hitchcock chairs still made?

While the vast majority of furniture sold in the United States is made overseas, Swenson said part of the Hitchcock Chair Company’s continued success is that all of their furniture is still made in America.

What wood is Hitchcock furniture?

Identifiable Characteristics. Hitchcock chair frames, typically painted black, brownish black or dark green, were made from birch, maple or oak.

What type of wood are Hitchcock chairs made of?

Hitchcock chair frames, typically painted black, brownish black or dark green, were made from birch, maple or oak.

Where are Hitchcock chairs made?

Riverton
The Hitchcock chair has been made in the village of Riverton, Conn., since 1818, when the company was established by Lambert Hitchcock. He was born in Cheshire, Conn., the son of a Revolutionary War veteran lost at sea.

What wood is used for Hitchcock furniture?

Hitchcock chair frames, typically painted black, brownish black or dark green, were made from birch, maple or oak. Embellished using the British technique of stenciling while the varnish was still tacky, woodworkers applied multicolored metallic powders to create the stenciled fruit and floral designs.

Did Ethan Allen make Hitchcock furniture?

Ethan Allen manufactured these Hitchcock STYLE chairs. Most of the early Hitchcock chairs with rush seats had mortise and tenon joints where the seats met the legs.

How do you clean old painted wood furniture?

Mild soap and water and a soft cloth are the basic tools you’ll need to clean painted furniture. Never use any type of degreaser, furniture spray or polish, or alcohol, or acidic cleaning product that may discolor or damage the finish.

How do you clean painted wood surfaces?

When cleaning these surfaces, create a soapy mixture with dish soap and warm water, then wipe down the painted wood surface. If you’d prefer a cleaning alternative, feel free to use vinegar or ammonia instead. With a little bit of TLC, your painted wood fixtures will be squeaky clean in no time!

When was the last time a Hitchcock Chair was made?

In 1946, another man bought out the name for the company and began reproducing reproduction Hitchcock chairs based on the original designs. This second revival of the company closed in 2006 and it seemed for a time that it would be the end for the Hitchcock Chair Company’s legacy.

Who was the founder of the Hitchcock furniture company?

The history of the Hitchcock Furniture Company can be traced all the way back to 1818. In 1818, a man named Lambert Hitchcock founded his own furniture company while living in Connecticut.

What are the colors of a Hitchcock Chair?

Colors and Design. Hitchcock chairs were usually painted black, brownish-black or dark green. They have yellow ochre pin striping with gold half-rings on the front legs. Detailed stencils painted with metallic colors like red, gold, blue and white can be found on the back and sides of the chairs.

Is there a maker’s mark on a Hitchcock Chair?

Indeed, very few Hitchcock chairs feature upholstery. Of course, you will also want to look for a maker’s mark on the piece. Indeed, the different signatures on the back of the chairs can help date your Hitchcock Furniture.