Wheeler okell table

Item Description:
This is a wooden side table made by Wheeler & Okell, an American furniture manufacturer. The table features barley twist legs, a single drawer, and a lower shelf, indicative of early 20th-century craftsmanship. The wood type is unclear but appears to be mahogany or walnut, common for furniture from this era. The drawer has a Wheeler & Okell stamp and an additional marking “K.K.K.” imprinted on the bottom. The table is in good condition, showing some wear consistent with age.

Historical Significance:
Wheeler & Okell was a respected furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, hand-crafted wooden furniture in the early-to-mid 20th century. Barley twist legs were a popular design element in Victorian and Colonial Revival styles, often appearing in tables from the 1910s-1930s.

Estimated Value:

• Market Range: $150 - $450, depending on condition, wood type, and provenance.
• If solid mahogany or walnut, the value could be on the higher end.
• Some Wheeler & Okell pieces have sold for $500+ at auction if well-preserved or restored.

Recommendations:

• Professional Appraisal: If you want a precise valuation, consult an antique furniture expert or auction house specializing in early 20th-century American furniture.
• Preservation Tips: Avoid direct sunlight, polish with wood-friendly products, and refrain from refinishing, as original patina adds value.
• Historical Research: If you’d like to trace the history of Wheeler & Okell furniture, check with historical furniture registries or antique dealers.

I dug you up some information from my dusty files regarding the Company.

​The Wheeler-Okell Company, based in Nashville, Tennessee, was a prominent American furniture manufacturer known for its high-quality colonial-style pieces, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. They specialized in crafting bedroom furniture using fine woods such as mahogany, maple, walnut, cherry, and American gumwood. ​ebth.com+5harropianbooks.com+5mycompanies.fandom.com+5buckinghambooks.com

Product Range and Design

Wheeler-Okell was renowned for its four-poster beds, often referred to as "America's Foremost Four Posters." Their product catalogs from the 1930s showcase a variety of bedroom furnishings, including beds, chests, dressers, benches, vanities, and chairs. These pieces were designed in the Georgian style, reflecting the company's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and timeless design. ​buckinghambooks.com+3harpgallery.com+3harropianbooks.com+3buckinghambooks.com

Notable Pieces and Auctions

Several Wheeler-Okell pieces have appeared in auctions and antique listings, highlighting their enduring appeal:

• Georgian Twin Poster Beds: A pair of Georgian design twin poster beds, crafted from mahogany and dating back to the 1930s, were signed by Wheeler-Okell. ​Biblio+8harpgallery.com+8harpgallery.com+8
• Cherry Veneer Twin Beds and Nightstand: This vintage set included two four-poster twin beds with bobbin-turned posts and a matching nightstand, all constructed from hardwood with cherry veneers. ​ebth.com
• Double Rice Bed Frame: A 1930s double-size rice bed frame featured spindle and spool accents on the headboard and footboard, showcasing Wheeler-Okell's attention to detail. ​blackrockgalleries.com+1LiveAuctioneers+1

Historical Significance

The quality and design of Wheeler-Okell furniture have led to its inclusion in historical collections. For instance, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation houses a single bedstead made by Wheeler-Okell, used in the servants' quarters of Bassett Hall, the Rockefeller family home in Williamsburg, Virginia. ​emuseum.history.org

While specific details about the company's founding, operational timeline, and eventual closure are limited, the enduring presence of Wheeler-Okell pieces in antique markets and historical collections attests to the company's legacy in American furniture craftsmanship.​