Furniture by a maker named Thomas Elf

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

S

sudy leavy

New member
I would like to know where I might receive more information about Thomas Elf, a Charleston furniture maker.  Would appreciate any information.

Thanks,
Sudy Leavy

sleavy@darientel.net
 
Sudy, There is a book on Thomas Elf: Thomas Elf Cabinetmaker by Samuel A. Humphrey. It was published by Wyrick & Company, Box 89, Charleston, SC, 29402. ISBN 0-941711-15-3.
I had the good fortune to spend a day in Charleston with Humphrey, a retired Navy engineer. A most interesting day. He has done a lot of research on Elf. He spent a lot of time trying to document some of the pieces attributed to Elf, which was difficult and contoversial since Elf never signed any of his work.  Humphrey has sinced moved away from Charleston.
I made a reproduction of the Rutledge Family Breakfast Table, plans for which are in Humphrey's book. A picture of mine is in the SAPFM Gallery. If I can furnish additional info email me outside the forum.
John McAlister
 
Two other sources are;

"Charleston Furniture" by Milby Burton

"The Furniture of Charleston" by Rauschenberg and Bivens.

Howard Steier
 
Sudy,

If you have a problem finding the "Thomas Elfe- Cabinetmaker" book by Samuel A. Humphrey,  There is a Half Price Book store around the corner from my home that has five new copies.  I think it is about $10.00 plus whatever mailing cost are involved.  E-mail me off forum if you need me to get it for you.
 
Sudy,

All of the printed references to your cabinet maker have his last name spelled Elfe. A quick search of Google yields quite a bit of info.  http://www.google.com/search?q=%22Thomas+Elfe%22&btnG=Search&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1

I hope you find what you are looking for. If not, check back.
 
Mark, Were you a 1st grade teacher teaching spelling in another life!?  I was reading the book title off the cover of the book and still spelled it wrong! Ouch.
John McAlister
 
I found "Thomas Elfe Cabinetmaker" by Samuel Humphrey and "Thomas Elfe Charleston Cabinet Maker" by E. Milby Burton available at www.BookFinder.com.

Leon
 
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