Would this be considered an Armoire or a Wardrobe, and what style is it?

[TNJChris]

After some digging I came up with a Wardrobe, Armoire, Linen Closet. I think what I'm still trying to nail down is the style of furniture in general. I'm leaning towards Victorian. Any suggestions, possibly a price range. Sorry about the bad photography.

[mart]

If it has only shelves, it would be called a linen press by most people !! It would be for bedding or anything that was folded !! An amoire, or wardrobe would have a place to accommodate hanging clothes, drawers, and many also had a couple of shelves and could be any combination of the last two depending on the maker !!

[KC]

Well put Mart.

Also, the question to be asked..."are the shelves original?"

[mart]

Well put Mart.

Also, the question to be asked..."are the shelves original?"

Looks like a nice one,, hope they are original !!  At least it hasn`t been turned into an TV cabinet !!

[TNJChris]

I will have to take a second look to see if the shelves are original. Any suggestion on what style it would be considered?

Thx guys!

[mart]

Oics are so dark I can`t see all the way to bottom with feet and legs !! Can you take a couple of better/lighter pics that show more ?? Dovetails on drawer would help too !!
Or is that a drawer on bottom ??

[frogpatch]

It looks Edwardian to me, which is a loose term for furniture made in the early part of the 20th century.

[TNJChris]

Okay, going to take more detailed pictures today. Thanks!

[KC]

First of all, it is a beautiful piece.

The reason I was asking about shelving...the shelves are "white" or light and not wood tone, (which they could be painted or covered).  So, has the inside been modified to accommodate shelving and was originally a armoire/wardrobe.  This happens alot for someone to repurpose a piece to fit their needs.  On the inside were pieces added to support the shelves that are lighter color as well?  OR does it appear to have been there originally and is it a flat piece of wood or a notch system?

Now, what history do you have on this piece?  Because first impression to me is that it doesn't look that old (meaning from mid 1900's forward).

When you look at the detail of the carving on the front, can you see any tool marks?  Can you please post a picture of the hardware (handle, latches).

It could be from the pictures, but the piece is gorgeous in color and just doesn't appear too aged.

[TNJChris]

I was told that it used to be an armoire before they turned it into a closet. Is isn't it fun when people that want your help but fail to tell you things like that from the beginning? 

[KC]

All is well TNJChris.  Half of trying to find out about a piece is like being a detective!  AND most people don't know to tell information because they don't deal with it enough until asked the questions.

[mart]

Settles that question !!

[jacon4]

Well, I am going with frogpatch on this one, turn of the 20th century armoire which has been converted with shelves. I would note that houses built in the USA did not have built in closets until after 1900 so armoire's were very popular as well as almost a necessity. Naturally, as time went along and built in closets became a regular feature of house building, armoire's quickly lost their function.

[TNJChris]

Thanks everyone!