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Why Visit Patriot Mill For Early American Furniture? ---------------------------------- We are the only specialist in D.R.Dimes furniture and have the largest selection. ---------------------------------- The Skilled Craftsmen at Patriot Mill can better explain furniture construction and finish options. ---------------------------------- D.R.Dimes furniture viewed in a Historic Mill Setting. ---------------------------------- Complementary Delivery within 100 miles of Antrim, NH ----------------------------------
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Tiger Maple
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Tiger maple, also known as
curly maple, is a figured
wood. That is to say the grain of the wood grows in a distinctive wave
pattern. It is not clear what causes this rare defect but when tiger
maple is sawed across that grain an iridescent striping is While tiger is in the grain of the wood and not in the finish, finishing technique is critical to the look of tiger maple furniture. As with 18th century tiger maple furniture, D.R.Dimes hand scrapes their furniture to accentuate the figure. Tiger that is only sanded will appear flat and lifeless. A finish is then applied that simulates the desirable warm patina of colonial period tiger maple furniture. The
use of tiger maple in furniture reached its peak in the American
colonies during the 18th century. Used in most of the important
furniture making centers during the period,
figured maple was most
prevalently applied in New England.
Strongly figured tiger maple in an otherwise run of the mill piece of
antique furniture, such as a
Windsor chair, usually adds
many times to its value. Other native species were used to make
wonderful and important furniture but D.R.Dimes collectors
overwhelmingly prefer tiger maple. |
revealed in the face of the plank. As you can see in the adjacent
photo when tiger maple is split along the grain the growth pattern is
exposed. The size, intensity and consistency of the curl throughout
the board determines the grade or quality.