How to Identify Ficks Reed Furniture

Ficks Reed is a renowned name in the world of wicker and rattan furniture, celebrated for its quality craftsmanship and stylish designs. Established in the late 19th century, the company became synonymous with elegant, tropical-inspired furniture pieces that graced homes and resorts alike. Identifying authentic Ficks Reed furniture can be an intriguing journey for collectors and enthusiasts, requiring a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the brand’s distinctive features. This guide will help you with how to identify ficks reed furniture, ensuring that you can confidently assess its authenticity and value.

Why Identifying Ficks Reed Furniture is Important

Authenticating Ficks Reed furniture holds great significance for collectors, homeowners, and vintage enthusiasts alike. Firstly, genuine Ficks Reed pieces are often considered valuable investments, with their worth appreciating over time due to the brand’s esteemed reputation in the market. Identifying an authentic piece not only assures its quality and craftsmanship but also preserves the historical and cultural essence embedded in these classic designs.

Furthermore, knowing how to distinguish original Ficks Reed furniture can enhance one’s ability to appreciate its intricate artistry and unique features, deepening the connection to the piece. Additionally, being able to verify authenticity helps prevent the purchase of imitation furniture, ensuring that investments are made wisely and that the legacy of Ficks Reed’s exquisite creations is faithfully upheld.

10 Methods How to Identify Ficks Reed Furniture

1. Look for the Ficks Reed Label or Stamp

The most straightforward way to identify Ficks Reed furniture is to look for a label, stamp, or maker’s mark. Many pieces created by the company feature a paper label or metal tag attached to the furniture. This label often includes the Ficks Reed name and logo, sometimes accompanied by the model number or production information. Look closely under the cushions, along the underside of the frame, or on the back of the furniture for these identifying marks. If the label is missing, there may still be an embossed stamp on the wood or rattan indicating its origin.

2. Examine the Materials Used

Ficks Reed is renowned for its use of high-quality materials, particularly rattan, wicker, bamboo, and woven cane. Rattan and bamboo were used extensively in their furniture, known for their durability and lightweight nature. Authentic Ficks Reed pieces will typically have thick, sturdy rattan or bamboo frames, often with intricate weaving patterns made from cane or wicker. The natural fibers are finely finished, giving the furniture a smooth texture. Cheap imitations may use synthetic materials or have rough edges, while Ficks Reed furniture tends to exhibit superior craftsmanship.

3. Inspect the Construction Quality

One of the hallmarks of Ficks Reed furniture is its exceptional craftsmanship. The construction of Ficks Reed pieces is solid and sturdy, with tight joints and reinforced frames. If the furniture has cushions, they will often be well-fitted, with high-quality upholstery that matches the piece’s tropical aesthetic. Additionally, look at the binding that holds the rattan or bamboo together; Ficks Reed typically used leather bindings or cane wraps to secure joints, which age well over time. Inferior knock-offs often have visible staples or glue at the joints, which would not be found in authentic Ficks Reed craftsmanship.

4. Identify the Design Style

Ficks Reed furniture is known for its tropical, exotic, and island-inspired designs, as well as mid-century modern aesthetics. The company worked with famous designers such as Paul T. Frankl, John Wisner, and Dorothy Draper, whose designs helped define the brand’s unique style. Ficks Reed furniture often features sweeping curves, intricate woven patterns, and an overall organic, flowing design. These elements reflect the era’s fascination with tropical escapes and casual yet elegant living. If the piece has these characteristics, it may be an indication that it’s from Ficks Reed.

5. Check for Distinctive Collections

Throughout its history, Ficks Reed released numerous furniture collections, many of which have become iconic. Some of the most famous collections include the “Far Horizons” line by John Wisner, which features deep, comfortable seating and exotic tropical detailing, and the “Fiji Islands” collection, known for its use of bamboo and rattan with a more rustic, casual feel. Researching these collections and comparing your piece to photos from catalogs or online archives can help you confirm its authenticity. Identifying which collection a piece belongs to can significantly increase its value.

6. Research Period-Specific Designs

Ficks Reed furniture styles evolved over the decades, so understanding the design periods can be helpful in identification. For example, pieces from the 1940s to the 1960s often reflect mid-century modern sensibilities, with clean lines, minimalist shapes, and subtle details. In contrast, earlier or later pieces may have more ornate detailing or a heavier emphasis on tropical or Art Deco influences. Knowing when a particular style or collection was popular can help you date the piece and determine if it aligns with Ficks Reed’s production during that era.

7. Analyze the Cushion Fabric

While many Ficks Reed frames were made from rattan or bamboo, the cushions and upholstery were often high-quality, tropical-themed fabrics. Original cushions may feature bold, colorful prints, often with palm fronds, flowers, or other botanical motifs. These fabrics were chosen to complement the natural materials used in the frame. If you have access to the cushions, check the underside for tags or any signs of original Ficks Reed branding. Although the cushions may have been replaced over time, original cushions in good condition can help identify the furniture as Ficks Reed.

8. Search for Documentation or Provenance

If you are purchasing Ficks Reed furniture from a seller, it’s worth asking if they have any documentation or provenance related to the piece. Original sales receipts, catalogs, or photographs can help verify the furniture’s authenticity and provide valuable information about its history. Some sellers may also have appraisals or letters of authentication, which can increase your confidence in the piece’s legitimacy. While this method may not always be possible, especially with older or inherited pieces, documentation can add significant value to a Ficks Reed item.

9. Compare to Known Ficks Reed Examples

One of the best ways to identify Ficks Reed furniture is to compare it directly to known examples of the brand’s work. Online auction sites, vintage furniture stores, and dedicated Ficks Reed collector groups often feature extensive image archives that can help you visually compare your piece to confirmed Ficks Reed items. Pay attention to specific design details, materials, and construction techniques when making comparisons. If your furniture closely matches known Ficks Reed pieces in terms of design, construction, and materials, it is likely authentic.

10. Consult with a Professional Appraiser

If you’re still unsure whether your furniture is authentic Ficks Reed, consulting with a professional appraiser or antique furniture expert can provide clarity. A trained appraiser will be familiar with Ficks Reed’s work and can carefully inspect your piece to verify its authenticity. Appraisers can also offer valuable insights into the piece’s age, condition, and market value. If you plan to sell or insure your Ficks Reed furniture, obtaining a professional appraisal will ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Ficks Reed Furniture

Purchasing Ficks Reed furniture can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider several factors before making your decision. First, assess the condition of the piece, as damage or extensive wear can affect both its aesthetic appeal and value. Restoration may be possible, but it is worth consulting a professional to understand potential costs and impacts on authenticity. Second, take into account the provenance of the item. As mentioned, documentation can enhance value, so pieces with a known history are generally more desirable.

Third, consider the compatibility of the furniture with your existing decor. Ficks Reed’s distinctive tropical and mid-century modern designs can serve as either a focal point or a complementary piece in a space. Finally, establish a budget before you start your search and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as authentic Ficks Reed furniture is generally highly valued and not typically available for bargain prices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When considering the purchase or identification of Ficks Reed furniture, there are several common mistakes enthusiasts should avoid to ensure authenticity and value. First, do not assume that all rattan or bamboo furniture is from Ficks Reed. Many manufacturers imitated the style, so it’s crucial to confirm distinguishing features unique to the brand. Secondly, beware of alterations that may mask a piece’s originality, such as newer upholstery that disguises the original fabric or refinishing that removes original markings. Third, avoid relying solely on online images for comparison without physical examination, as details may not be visible in photographs alone.

Conclusion

Identifying authentic Ficks Reed furniture requires careful examination and research. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can confidently determine whether a piece is genuine and understand its historical and aesthetic value. Authentic Ficks Reed pieces not only serve as exquisite examples of craftsmanship but also as treasured artifacts of mid-century design. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to identify ficks reed furniture!