Author Topic: 1855 ?Empire? Sofa - please help!!  (Read 1610 times)

Charles

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1855 ?Empire? Sofa - please help!!
« on: February 04, 2009, 08:13:14 pm »
Hi! We are searching for information on the sofa in the pictures below.  It is very heavy, and when we had it re-upholstered, we saw the date 1855 and a name carved into the inside of one of the arms.  The name I cant completely remember, but I think it was J. Zilch, or J. Zilsh or something similar - too bad I didnt document that better.  The seat cushion and throw pillows feel like they are goose-down filled.  The prior fabric on the sofa was silk-like and reddish-pink & gold in color.

Whatever information you can supply would be greatly appreciated.  This sofa came with our old house (1911) when we bought it - and I dont have any historical information about it.  Also, do you have any idea of its value?

Thanks so much!
Charles
« Last Edit: February 04, 2009, 08:22:22 pm by Charles »

Tim

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Re: 1855 ?Empire? Sofa - please help!!
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2009, 04:33:37 pm »
I can't add much to what you already know. It's in the Empire style, appears mahogany and the time frame of 1855 might very well be. As far as a maker though, I dunno.............. ???

American Empire was from about 1795-1830. A second revival carried over to about 1870 and a 3rd to about 1940.

Value is not real high as they are mostly upholstery which is expensive and the first thing to go. Maybe $500 retail in a shop.

D&b antiques

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Re: 1855 ?Empire? Sofa - please help!!
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2009, 05:00:44 pm »
it's late empire. (1850 to about 1910) you did'nt document the signature's.it was a common practice in philadelphia to sign there work. it certainly fit's well in your house.