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American Cabinetmakers |
Marked American Furniture, 1640-1940 |
By William C. Ketchum, Jr. with the Museum of American Folk Art |
| Crown Publishing Group, 201 East 50th Street, New York, N.Y., 10022, pp 416, $45, hardcover |
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| Antiques historian William Ketchum, in collaboration with The Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, has finished the work begun by Dr Robert Bishop, the museum's former director who died in 1991. This is the first book to catalog and illustrate all known American wood pieces that bear signatures, labels, brands, impressions, or ink-stamp marks of their makers, which number over 1,600. Biographical entries are organized alphabetically, providing brief information about the life and work of the craftsmen (when available), defining the characteristics of their marks, and reviewing their products. Approximately 400 marks or marked pieces are shown in black and white. Appendix A identifies initials used as marks; Appendix B gives unidentified initials; and a source list of books and periodicals is featured, providing further information on the craftsmen's careers. This is a necessary reference for those serious about the topic.
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