Berkey & Gay Dining Set - drop leaf table, 6 chairs, buffett

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Posted by rrwollan
16 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 3 Comments 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description The drop leaf table (top only) has been sanded/stained & needs polyurithane, has 6 chairs - one with arms. I believe the fabric has been replaced. One chiar is missing a wood piece at the top of the back. The decor on the chairs match that on the buffett. The buffett has the lining for the little side drawers - has three drawers on top & a big long one on the bottom.
Category Furniture
Medium wood
Distinguishing marks Table: branded 1881/54 with sideways 16, chairs & buffett: wood branded Berkey & Gay Furniture
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item table aprox. 5'x7', buffett
Date Period pre 1900
History belonged to family in MN long before anyone can recall
eBay Auction Link
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Submitted by Anonymous

Based on your images this set postdates 1900, most likely mid 1920's. Berkey & Gay was well known for its "Revival" pieces, most made during the second quarter of the 20th century. Most were a mix of Colonial or Federal styles with a bit of Art Deco thrown in. The company went bankrupt in 1931; reopened in 1935. Bankrupt again in 1948 and bought by Harvest Furniture Co. of Louisville, Kentucky. Yours dates from the 1920's. These suites often sell for less than $1000.00 at auction. Lovejoy

Thank you for the information. I am confused - did they revive the wood branded marking as well? Here is what I've found about Berkey & Gay Furniture: Over the years that the Berkey & Gay Furniture company was in business they used 3 different types of labels to mark their furniture. The first Berkey & Gay label was branded in the wood. The branded type label was replaced by a paper label around the year 1900. The brass label was used starting around 1920. It is not uncommon to find both brass and paper labels used at the same time. I am currently in search of the following book: Grand Rapids Furniture: The Story of America's Furniture City, 1998; Carron. Should I find one, I will share what I learn. Again, thank you for your help! rwollan

I also have a Berkey & Gay piece with the brass marker in wooden drawer and I would recommend "Late 19th century furniture by Berkey & Gay" by Brian Witherall. I am not 100% on authors last name but it should come up under google. Yahoo has it for around $22. I have to order a copy as well and I'll let you know if I find your dinette set. Can you post a pic of the buffet? I have a lone credenza/sideboard or buffet myself and I'm interested if it's similar! Thanks, Christina
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