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Veneered Plywood Typifies Depression-Era Furniture Pieces

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By JAY MOORE, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 13, 2007

We recently inherited three pieces of dining room furniture. One piece has a paper label that reads 'Gettysburg Furniture Co., Dining Room Furniture, 1928.' Two of the pieces have attached mirrors.

I would like to know more about the set, including wood type and its value.

L.V.

Tampa

The three pieces of furniture serve different functions and probably were made by several manufacturers. The china cabinet was made for a dining room, and the vanity and chest are bedroom pieces.

I am guessing that the china cabinet is labeled by Gettysburg. The company was founded by a father-son team and four partners in Gettysburg, Pa., in 1902 and at first made a line of oak furniture.

Gettysburg Furniture seems to be well-documented. It expanded over the years through a number of acquisitions and mergers. By the late 1920s, it owned several factories. It closed in 1960.

The pieces are typical Depression-era furniture, all of it made of veneered plywood. You did not supply a good photo of one of the bedroom pieces, but I would still value the group at $400.

We inherited our rocker from my husband's grandmother. It is in excellent condition with a re-caned back and seat. It has inlay across the top.

I have been told the arms were made to accommodate period dresses. We would like to know its age and value.

J.W.

Brooksville

The rocker is made of birch and ash with a burl-walnut applique on the top rail. It was factory-made about 1880. The large braces were designed for structural integrity.

The new cane is a good thing, since artisans charge by the hole (many Victorian chairs are not worth re-caning).

It has been stripped of the original dark finish and refinished. It would retail for about $150.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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