Baker twin bedroom set

Hi - We recently discovered this set and was wondering if anyone had any information on it? I believe it's tiger / curly maple? I think the dresser is called a bow front?.. but I'm having trouble finding many others with this makers mark (pictured)/ time period. Both the mirror and chest have pencil marks on the rear that I believe state the build number of this item / over the quantity made..but unsure. The dresser has a number stamped on the rear in black which could be a model number...still not sure. I think the beds are by Baker..just because the patina and wood type matches exactly. We have checked the local library with some Baker reference books but none pictured in maple listed or this model number. Is Baker a good manufacturer? Also is it federal style or another type?

How can I determine the value? Any help or information would be greatly appreciated! - Thank you!

 

For some reason it says file is to big for even just one photo to upload. No clue why. Anyone know why I'm having this problem uploading pictures? Thank you

 

Hi and welcome! There is a maximum size for photo files so if it's too large you will need to resize it before uploading. I try for 1000k and that seems to work.

 

Thank you

 

Baker furniture should be well marked. They are one of the top commercial furniture manufacturers in the US. I would not assume that your furniture is Baker based on appearance. There were hundreds of makers working in the style you mention. I eagerly await photos of what you have.

 

Thanks to YouTube once again I got it

 

According to the following webpage, this Baker's label was used between 1927 to c1935.
Pic of the labels near the bottom of the page:
http://www.furniturecityhistory.org/company/3373/baker-furniture-inc

--- Susan

 

Hi Susan - I did see that as well...and thank you. I just haven't been able to find any pieces on ebay with this older mark.

 

Verybrad - I was finally able to upload the Baker Photo's Makers mark according to a webpage and a Baker reference book says 1927-1935. I have not seen any with this label on ebay. No markings on beds but it does have a similar brass hardware caps to cover the bed bolts. Do you have any information to add - Thank you!

 

Similar to what? The bed bolt covers do not look similar in style to the pulls on the bureau to me. Those double screw bed bolt covers are a pain to work. You have to unscrew at least one of the screws to get to the bolts. Give me a swinging bolt cover any day over the double attached ones. A pair of cherry wood cannonball twin beds my mother had made at OSV, Old Sturbridge Village, in the late 1940s have ornate double attached bed bolt covers similar to yours. She had the beds made in cherry to match a cherry Federal c1825 bureau, a family piece, for our guest bedroom. The bureau's pulls are oval mount with bail handle, Hepplewhite, similar to the ones on your bureau. I think Mom always wanted to replace the bolt covers but never got around to it I believe your bed is a cannonball style bedstead.

BTW, like Brad, I would suspect the bedstead to have an attached label if by Baker. In all honesty, without a label on the bedstead, I don't think you can call it by Baker. Do wait for Brad's opinion.

--- Susan

 

The styling is based on Federal but a bit heavy handed on the bed. I would expect thinner, more graceful posts on a Federal piece. Certainly nice quality but I don't think you can attribute this to Baker unless you can match up model numbers or some particular unique production details. I think it is possible that all this has been refinished, which is why they match so well. As nicely figured as the wood is on that chest, I would expect some equally nice wood on the bed's headboard if they were a matching set.

 

I disagree on the refinishing. I finished for over twenty years - no sign of stripping or overcoating. From what I have read in Baker reference books they French polished in this time period ( makers mark). I believe the dresser is French polish as well as the mirror. I see both your points on the beds and will have to find some markings or other features that may document Baker. It all came out of the same time capsule room where it was for at least 50 years. Anyone hazard a guess on value if it's a matching set? Thank you

 

Having the furniture in-hand, you would be able to tell better than I whether or not this has been refinished. It has been very well kept if not refinished. Hard saying value. Baker does bring a premium over most similar furniture but not reliably. It really depends on your venue. In my medium sized city Midwest market, I can not get much more than any other furniture for Baker. I have had some come through and have tried. In a big city high end shop that caters to the trade, you might see some pretty good money.

 

Thank you Verybrad & ladybranch for your inputs. Do either of you know if the twin beds would match the same time period as the Baker dresser makers mark tag (circa 1927-1937)?
Either way we are so grateful to find these pieces..love them . Got to love tiger / curly maple. We have an appraiser booked so we will see what he has to offer. He has been in the biz locally here for 45yrs. Thank you both again!

 

My gut reaction is that they are probably post-war when furniture tended to have more mass but anything is possible.

 

Clearly0077, perhaps you have already talked with an appraiser. I don't know where you are located, but... the Grand Rapids Public Library has a large archive related to furniture design, including specific information on local companies. It appears that most of it is in print, not online, though. And I'm not sure how extensive the research they will do is. You might ask, though. Since you are interested in furniture in general, maybe worth a road trip?

http://grplpedia.grpl.org/wiki/index.php/Furniture_Design

 

Thanks, I did hear back from the Baker Historian and he has linked all the pieces together as more than likely to be a complete set - 1903-1927. He is amazed at the original condition! I will look into your link..thank you

 

Great to hear! I hope it all goes well for you.