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Antique Terminology

A-D

Aneroid Barometer

An aneroid barometer uses a small, flexible metal box called an aneroid cell. This aneroid capsule (cell) is made from an alloy of beryllium and copper. The evacuated capsule (or usually more capsules) is prevented from collapsing by a strong spring. Small changes in external air pressure cause the cell to expand or contract. This expansion and contraction drives mechanical levers such that the tiny movements of the capsule are amplified and displayed on the face of the aneroid barometer.

Astragal

An astragal is a small molding profile composed of a half round surface surrounded by two flat planes (fillets). An astragal is sometimes referred to as a miniature torus. It can be an architectural element used at the top or base of a column, but is also employed as a framing device on furniture and woodwork. An astragal is commonly used as a term to describe the division between panes in a glazed cabinet.

Baize

Baize is a coarse woollen (or in cheaper variants cotton) cloth, sometimes called "felt" in American English based on a similarity in appearance. Baize is traditionally used to cover games tables to provide a playing surface for cards or billiards. The surface finish of baize is not very fine and therefore increases friction to slow the balls down.

Bergeré

The term bergeré is often used to refer to the woven cane seat of a chair. Although the original meaning is the French name for a deep, tub-chaped, upholstered armchair from 19th century, with continuous top and arm rails and a slightly concave back. Some versions were caned between the arms and seat and have a loose seat cushion. These bergeré seats were often over upholstered beneath the drop in cushion.

Buhl / Boulle

Boulle is a marquetry technique, also known as Buhl work, using metal (usually brass) and tortoiseshell in reverse patterns, sometimes combined with other materials and often set in an ebony veneer. It was a popular technique in France from the late 17th century through to the 19th century, and in Britain from 1815. The term is associated with the French cabinet-maker and ebeniste, Andre Boulle (1642-1732) of the Louis XIV period in France. He specialised in elegant, highly ornamental furniture - mainly for the nobility.

Bevelled

A general term used for any edge cut at an angle to a flat surface. The word bevel means to cut or shape.

Bird Cage Action

A wooden hinged mechanism that is usually found on 18th century tripod tables. It is a fixed mechanism at the top of the pedestal that allows the table to swivel, tilt, fold or be fixed horizontally.

Breakfront

A term used to describe a piece of furniture with part of its front projecting. Breakfront bookcases, sideboards, wardrobes and clothes presses were popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

Cabriole Legs

A cabriole leg is one of (usually four) vertical supports of a piece of furniture shaped in two curves; the upper arc is convex, while lower is concave; the upper curve always bows outward, while the lower curve bows inward. The axes of the two curves must lie within the same plane. This design was used by the ancient Chinese and Greeks, but emerged in Europe in the very early 18th century, when it was incorporated into the more curvilinear styles produced in France, England and Holland.

Casters

A caster (or castor) is an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel mounted on an object to make movement easier. Most furniture is mounted on swivel casters to make moving heavy loads easier in all directions, although some items may have fixed casters that only allow straight movement.

Chippendale

Thomas Chippendale was a London cabinet-maker and furniture designer in the mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. In 1754, he became the first cabinet-maker to publish a book of his designs, entitled The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. Chippendale furniture is often considered the finest in British history and his much celebrated designs have been reproduced for years after his death in 1779.

Claw and Ball feet

A term used to describe the feet of a piece of furniture that is carved to resemble a bird/animals claw grasping a ball. Perhaps first adapted in Europe by the Dutch, it spread to England, from whence it was introduced to America about 1735. Enormously popular as the foot of American cabriole leg furniture in the Queen Anne and Chippendale, styles. In America, a bird's claw was generally used, mostly the eagle's.

Club Foot

A term used to describe the feet of a piece of furniture with a slightly pointed toe, usually thick and substantial.

Cornice

The term cornice comes from Italian, meaning “ledge.” Cornice molding is generally any horizontal decorative molding which crowns any building or furniture element: the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the edge of a pedestal.

Crossbanding

The traditional cabinetmakers skill of Crossbanding dates from when European explorers brought back exotic woods like tulipwood and satinwood from the Americas and the Orient. The term refers to the use of thin strips of veneer inlaid at 90 degrees to the main veneer direction.

Cross Stretchers

A stretcher is a horizontal support element of a table, chair or other item of furniture; this structure is normally made of exposed wood and ties vertical elements of the piece together. There are numerous styles of the stretcher including crossed, circumferential, double and spindle design.

Demi-Lune

The term Demi Lune is a French term meaning ‘half moon’. In reference to furniture it is usually used in the context of the shape, such as a half moon (demi lune) shaped table.