Signs of a Horner
Archive summary
Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started November 6, 2007 by furniture fanatic · 3 posts, 1 image attachment · discussion in 2007.
Recently I saw referenced in a post on rarevictorian.com a characteristic that many dealers use to identify unsigned furniture as a Horner. I am hoping to start a thread where all such characteristics are listed. So if you know of any fool-proof ways to spot a Horner, please…
Recently I saw referenced in a post on rarevictorian.com a characteristic that many dealers use to identify unsigned furniture as a Horner. I am hoping to start a thread where all such characteristics are listed. So if you know of any fool-proof ways to spot a Horner, please share!
In my ideal world I would collect similar lists for several of the makers that I follow. Starting with Horner is as good as any and a worthy cause.
In my opinion, having photographic records of confirmed (labeled, signed, stamped) pieces is the best way to identify new unmarked pieces that we come across. I've only recently started a personal trove of photos, though I do not have permission on each to publish them widely on this site so I keep them for personal use. Ideally we would collect a library of these images and make them available on this site on an "identification page".
Many times we see repeat pieces - with Horner we see tons of identical partner's desks, dining sets, hall chairs, so having photographic evidence of a signed piece will help us when we find an identical unsigned (e.g. label fell off) piece later. We can also isolate individual carving elements - in Horner's case, Griffins, gadrooning, cabochons, caryatids, man of the mountain, northwind faces, etc. These individual elements can be found in isolation on pieces that we haven't seen before but can identify as Horner due to the precedence.
I would also suggest that we be sure we know what is not a Horner, such as this Flint desk listed for sale by Bradfords Antiques (photo below also): http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2271259&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FGEORGE-FLINT-WINGED-GRIFFIN-DESK_W0QQitemZ160172052338QQihZ006QQcategoryZ63571QQcmdZViewItem
Were it not labeled, many would have attributed it to Horner.
So I guess this is a plea for assistance - if we all pitch in to collect images (with permission), we can get them centrally posted on RareVictorian.com for our mutual reference. That goes for Belter, Herter, Jelliff, Merklen, Hunzinger, etc...
In my opinion, having photographic records of confirmed (labeled, signed, stamped) pieces is the best way to identify new unmarked pieces that we come across. I've only recently started a personal trove of photos, though I do not have permission on each to publish them widely on this site so I keep them for personal use. Ideally we would collect a library of these images and make them available on this site on an "identification page".
Many times we see repeat pieces - with Horner we see tons of identical partner's desks, dining sets, hall chairs, so having photographic evidence of a signed piece will help us when we find an identical unsigned (e.g. label fell off) piece later. We can also isolate individual carving elements - in Horner's case, Griffins, gadrooning, cabochons, caryatids, man of the mountain, northwind faces, etc. These individual elements can be found in isolation on pieces that we haven't seen before but can identify as Horner due to the precedence.
I would also suggest that we be sure we know what is not a Horner, such as this Flint desk listed for sale by Bradfords Antiques (photo below also): http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2271259&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FGEORGE-FLINT-WINGED-GRIFFIN-DESK_W0QQitemZ160172052338QQihZ006QQcategoryZ63571QQcmdZViewItem
Were it not labeled, many would have attributed it to Horner.
So I guess this is a plea for assistance - if we all pitch in to collect images (with permission), we can get them centrally posted on RareVictorian.com for our mutual reference. That goes for Belter, Herter, Jelliff, Merklen, Hunzinger, etc...
Now, THIS would be wonderful feature for we novice lovers of fine Victorian furniture. I really hope this gets off the ground. I'm not sure I'll be able to offer much, but I'll certainly do what I can. AND, I'll be an avid appreciator of other postings ... just like I am of this board in a more general sense.
Thank you for the time and effort you (all) put into this board. I love it.
BornaHeel
Thank you for the time and effort you (all) put into this board. I love it.
BornaHeel