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Discover Mid-America - June 2007
Lots of bargains in old wicker
Wicker has had its ups and downs since it was first made in America in the 1850s. Fashionable in the Victorian age and reborn with a new look in the 1920s, it was sent to attics by the 1930s. When decorators brought it indoors and painted it white in the late 1960s, it became trendy and expensive.
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| Multi-tier wicker fernery (photo courtesy James Julia Auctions. Fairfield, ME) |
Wicker always had a status image from the time it was first used in the country houses of the wealthy. The fancy “posing chair” used by turn-of-the-century photographers had a single arm that allowed the subject to assume an elegant pose. It was a time when wicker fainting couches and daybeds were popular on front porches for ultimate relaxation.
Prices seem to have leveled off, at auction, for the common 1920s pieces. Exceptions are unique, one-of-a-kind examples, such as a multi-tier fernery that came to a James Julia auction with an estimate of $750/$1,250.
The word “wicker” itself describes the qualities of the material. It derives from the Scandinavian “vika” meaning “to bend.” It can also describe a variety of materials that bend that include rattan, cane, reed, willow, Oriental sea grass and machine-twisted paper. This very characteristic has allowed wicker to be fashioned into many diverse items. Furniture is the most familiar.
Examples have also been found of a wicker phonograph and a wicker grandfather clock. Doll buggies from Victorian to the 1920s are popular and used in new ways, such as displaying dolls and plants. The ventilated styling also served a serious purpose for late 19th century health and germ conscious Americans.
CLUES
Reproductions abound. The most popular rattan styles featuring heart designs were reproduced in Hong Kong in the 1950s and ‘60s. Learn to recognize the earliest 19th century wicker made in America. The finish was either stained dark brown or coated with a natural varnish.
At first the pieces were simple in lines, but they soon adapted the designs
of the Victorian era with fanciful combinations of curlicues and small
wood balls. Check discoveries for remaining original labels. Two of the
best-known makers were Topf of New York City and Wakefield Rattan Company
of Boston and New York. And, later, in the 1920s,
Haywood-Wakefield Company began making handcrafted stick wicker furniture.
From 1900 through the 1920s, wicker furniture did a big mail order catalog
business.
Reed, wicker furniture came in sets that might include a settee and rocker. They were originally in a natural brown color. The emphasis was on comfort and since they had come indoors, the seats were padded and backs were partially upholstered.
Everything from swings to smoking stands found a ready market. The Larkin Company pictured plant baskets as well as a tea wagon in their catalog. Woven reed baby and doll carriages often came with upholstered interiors and parasols. Since not everybody likes the look, there are still garage sale opportunities.
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