Thomas Schwenke, Inc. is a
specialist firm dealing primarily in authentic original
furniture of the American Federal period. The Thomas
Schwenke, Inc. inventory features an array of Federal
furnishings, including dining tables and chairs,
sideboards, desks, easy chairs, sofas, tables, dressing
tables, and mirrors. All items are backed by our written
guarantee of authenticity and over 42 years of
experience in the field.
Historical Significance
American Federal furniture
reflects the economic, political, and social development
of the New Republic from 1785 to 1820. As the country
prospered, its citizens built larger homes and turned to
the finest cabinetmakers to furnish them. Based on the
classic designs that inspired such great English
architects and designers as George Shearer, Robert Adam,
Thomas Sheraton, and George Hepplewhite, American
Federal furniture is characterized by its refined
formality; a distinctive sense of proportion, scale and
line; and highly figured veneers, inlays and subtle
carving. Lighter and more elegant than Colonial
furniture, Federal pieces are prized for their
historical significance and their utility in the
contemporary home.
Firms Founder
Thomas G. Schwenke, the firm's
founder, has been an established antiques dealer since
1970. He is a nationally recognized expert, and is one
of America's foremost authorities on Federal period
furniture. He is a former member of the National Antique
& Art Dealers Association of America, Inc., and a
current member of the Antique Dealers Association and
the Antiques Council. He is a frequent lecturer and
exhibitor in the country's most important antique shows.
Landmark Exhibition
In 1988, Mr. Schwenke organized
and sponsored the Bicentennial Exhibition of American
Federal Furniture at Georgetown University in
Washington, D.C. Officially recognized by the Commission
on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution,
this landmark exhibition featured over 100 historically
significant pieces from various private collections, and
such major institutions as the Metropolitan Museum of
Art, Historic Hudson Valley, The Abigail Adams Smith
Museum, The Wadsworth Atheneum, The Girard Collection,
and the United States Department of State.
American Federal Classics Replicas
In addition to its selection of
American Federal furniture, Thomas Schwenke, Inc. offers
design services, appraisals, restorations, custom
furniture, and an exclusive proprietary line of exact
replica Federal furniture under the trademark "American
Federal Classics."
Location
Thomas Schwenke, Inc. is
located in Woodbury, Connecticut - the "Antiques Capital
of Connecticut" - at 50 Main Street North
