Dressing tables

You are reading the forum of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers — people who build and study American period furniture.

Membership brings the whole forum, the annual journal and quarterly magazine, the members’ gallery and workbench, and chapters across the country. About membership

J

J.Snell

New member
Hello, I'm finishing up two dressing tables in the style of early eighteen century. I wondering if, in the period, the maker would have bothered with kneeblocks on the rear legs (on the back of the piece)? It sets against a wall and, along with a seconary wood for the back, is never seen. If you've seen much of the real thing I would appreciate telling me what you've seen. Thanks. J.S.
 
JS- There probably won't be any knee blocks at the back. Sometimes there isn't even a knee- the leg is flush at the backboard, making the leg "square" actually deeper front-to-back than it is thick side- to- side, so it's rectangular in cross section. I think I've seen the rear board mortised into the leg a little further down and then sawn back up at an angle, but usually the rear board is the same depth as the other skirts with no block.-Al
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

If this discussion was useful, there are twenty years of them here. Join SAPFM to take part — the forum, the journal, the magazine and the members’ gallery come with membership.

Back
Top