a- Unveiling the Artistic Legacy of John Henry Belter: Exploring unique pattern names & furniture forms of the mid 19th century

John Henry Belter & Co, NYC, USA laminated patterns and furniture forms produced mid 19th century. These series of blogs is to explore these eighteen patterns, names and list of furniture forms produced by JH Belter & Co. This is not necessarily conclusive, but expresses the more readily availble comparables in todays market. 1844-1863 Rococo Revival, Naturalism expressed in Minminalism to Maximilism:

Generally accepted that applied solid crests were earlier production than more developed laminated-thru crest production on seating furniture. Laminated models are found with cover-wood in rosewwod, mahogany, oak. Laminations of 6-8 on seating and up to 20+ laminations on other furniture forms JH Belter non-laminated production was considerable and has not been as intensly researched. Pinterest Examples available for veiwing on my JHB Pinterest page. www.circa19c.com Each pattern has variations in quality and form, but are generally accepted within that pattern (it appear that more variations are seen on earlier applied crest models with individual elements added or removed). This author opinion is that this was the process until JHB finialized his patterns to be followed in factory productions of laminated thru crest models. Opinion-some possible pattern development is seen in solid rosewood > early applied crest > laminated thru crest versions). Pattern naming of these eighteen parttens is not necessarily conclusive, but expresses the more readily availble comparables in todays market. ---------------------------------------- PATTERNS in order of restrained to intricate design and carvings: --non-reticulated: R- Lincoln pattern Q- Scroll pattern P- Dining, open scroll O- Dished or spoon-back (most often in Scroll pattern) --with Naturalistic carvings: N- Sheild pattern M- Rosalie w/o Grapes pattern L- Rosalie pattern (with grapes) K- Henry Clay pattern -- reticulated (open-work) with Naturalistic carvings: J- Etagere Chair, tall serpentine back (slipper chair) found in various patterns I- Patent pattern (not dish-back, but the pattern JHB patent chair was presented) H- Milwaulkee pattern G- Tuthill King pattern F- Fountain Elms pattern E- Cornucopia pattern D- Special / Custom patterns, extensively carved (Victoria-Albert Museum as the most extravagant version) --often attributed to JH Belter: C- A Rose pattern B- Bird w/o bird pattern A- Bird pattern for examples of above patterns: b- John Henry Belter: Comparing Unique Patterns Through Chair Backs & Crests --------------------------------------- FORMS produced within each pattern: Living Room or Parlor - Tables (strip-laminated and laminated) - Etageres,with shelves (cabinet, console base, full mirror / low base, curio) - Hall trees, with hat/coat hooks - Etagere or Hall Chairs, (tall / serpentine back) (commonly named a slipper chair, fine if you want to use as bedroom chair) - Parlor and Music Cabinets - Piano Chair, swivel - Sewing Stands or Bedside Stands Seating - Sofas- four approx sizes from loveseats to large (+/- 48", 62", 75", 88") (loosely- 4' 5' 6' 7') - Tete-a-tete (conversational / opposing chairs) - Meridienne (short recamier) - Recamier (full chaise lounge) (generally applid crests) - Arm Chair - Ladies Arm Chair (and a no-arm model) - Side Chair Bedroom (generally not within named chair patterns) - Beds (laminated and non-laminated) - Dressers (laminated and non-laminated) (some with liminated drawers) - Slipper or Bedroom Chair (serpentine back) - Armoires, Wardrobes - Bedside Stands or Sewing Stands Dining Room (mostly nonlamonated, not within named patterns) - Extension Tables (strip-laminated and non-laminated) - Dining Chairs, barrell and serpentine backs (laminated) - Sideboards - Servers Libary or Office - Secretary Desk - Kneehole Desk - Swivel Desk Chair This page to be updated or continued with photos on other blogs within this website. Nevin Heller, www.circa19c.com