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

R
16 years ago
AI Appraisal
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
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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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