American Cabinets

In its simplest form a cabinet is a box with shelves or drawers used for storing items, but cabinets come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and styles. There are specialty pieces for every conceivable purpose.

The modern cabinets so treasured for their utility today were first crafted in England during the William and Mary period (1688-1702). Borrowing from designs that employed walnut, ebony, holly, and satinwood for inlays and marquetry, Northeastern American cabinetmakers began making cabinets in the Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Vernacular styles. Prominent early producers include Duncan Phyfe, Samuel McIntire, and John and Thomas Seymour.

American cabinet styles were also influenced by European immigrants. British, French, and German furniture makers spawned a stream of new cabinet designs that cropped up in the United States at the turn of the 20th century.

Quick Facts

• In August 2013, a large tramp art cabinet by Sicilian-American artist Samuel Annino sold at Skinner for $2,400
• In September 2010 at Bonhams, an American late-19th Century mahogany and cross-banded side cabinet sold for £312
• In a 2004 Neal auction, a Greek Revival-style carved walnut cabinet attributed to Daniel Pabst brought $17,625 at auction