My introduction, to Harris Lebus furniture happened when I stumbled upon an oak wardrobe at a nearby estate sale that immediately grabbed my attention.
Being someone who appreciates furniture greatly I’ve come to realize that Lebus creations are more, than items for the home. They symbolize the evolution of British artistry, from the refined Victorian era to the practicality of wartime and eventually to the sleek designs of mid-century modern style.
In this guide, for collectors we will delve into the past of Harris Lebus furniture pieces. Discover ways to recognize genuine items as well as explore popular furniture designs and their current market worth whether you are an experienced collector or are embarking on this journey for the first time this thorough overview will assist you in valuing and acquiring these enduring pieces of furniture.
The Rich History of Harris Lebus Manufacturing
If we look at the history of Harris Lebus furniture, we will have to go Hull back in to the 1840s where Louis Lebus, a skilled cabinet Breslau maker in from Germany opened his workshop. What began as a small business would later on become one of the greatest success stories in the British furniture production industry.
From humble beginnings to furniture empire
Following a stint, in Hull Louis shifted his business operations to London. Found great prosperity in Wellclose Square. At employing 30 craftsmen who worked from a workshop in a family home the company’s path took a significant turn when Harris Lebus assumed control after his father’s death in 1879. With Harris at the helm the company saw growth. By the 1890s proudly held the distinction of being Britain’s biggest furniture maker with, around 1,000 employees..
Evolution of production methods
The company’s production methods evolved significantly over time. Their manufacturing capabilities included:
- Dedicated departments for designers, draftsmen, and specialists
- Advanced woodworking machinery from Thomas Robinson of Rochdale
- Innovative upholstery techniques and finishing processes
Key manufacturing locations and expansion
The biggest growth was in 1900 when Harris Lebus acquired a 13.4 acres plot in Tottenham. This location near the River Lea was convenient for importing raw materials especially hardwoods from the United States and softwoods from the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. The factory at its fullest extent measured 43 acres and was said to be the biggest furniture factory in the whole world.
What I find most interesting is that the company always found ways to transform itself depending on the time period it was in. During both the World Wars they had to alter their product lines to meet the demands of the wars and they made everything from ammunition boxes to aircraft frames. By the 1920s and 30s they were at their best with around 6,000 employees and introducing the art deco style which would be a major influence of British furniture designs for many years.
Identifying Authentic Harris Lebus Pieces
As someone who collects furniture pieces as a hobby and passion of mine over the years I’ve come to understand the importance of paying attention to details in order to distinguish genuine Harris Lebus items, from others, in the market. Allow me to walk you through some characteristics I always keep an eye out for when trying to verify the authenticity of these pieces.
Distinctive hardware and construction features
Among the most important characteristics I look for is Lebus’s patented framed-up drawer side construction which has a floating panel slot that has a dovetail at each end. This was a very unique design that was added to the furniture in order to prevent warping and to ensure that the drawers do not jam. The company mainly dealt in high quality wooden species such as Satin Walnut, Oak, Ash, Walnut and Mahogany originating from Cuba and Honduras.
Period-specific markings and patents
When examining potential Lebus pieces, I always check for these telltale signs:
- Metal plates with “The Lebus” followed by the furniture type
- HLL (Harris Lebus London) stamps on brass lock faceplates
- Rounded edges on drawer lock plates (a unique 1904 patent)
- Registration numbers on specific components
Common reproductions to avoid
I have also observed that the market has certain misconceptions with regards to the real deals. While this is a common misconception, most of the pieces were not marked as Lebus furniture. This makes the process of authentication even more difficult. The most reliable way I have identified is by considering the construction techniques and materials that were typical for the given period. For instance, veneers were employed only on the front side of the better-quality suits and for aesthetic purposes only.
This is why I find it so interesting that the company’s approach to construction changed over time, yet they still managed to preserve the high standards. One of the techniques that I have come to expect from later pieces is the use of Sapeli veneer, which has a distinctive stripey figure.
Notable Furniture Styles and Collections
Browsing, through my assortment of Harris Lebus items always leaves me in awe of the range of styles that cover a hundred years of British furniture craftsmanship history. Let me guide you through the design eras that characterize these pieces.
Victorian and Edwardian masterpieces
During the late Victorian period, I have noticed that Lebus started off with offering only top of the line, and quite costly furniture which was placed in the best houses. The early pieces produced by the company were revivalist and these include the Jacobean, Louis, Adam, Queen Anne and Sheraton designs. Special about these pieces is the fact that they were made with high-end materials – the company made exquisite bedroom suites in mahogany, satinwood and walnut with a Sheraton design.
Art Deco and mid-century designs
The era of the 1920 and 30s saw Lebus peak in creativity when they adopted Art Decò designs that truly stood out to me as a period, for them. In this flourishing time 6,000 individuals were part of their workforce. Noteworthy characteristics that caught my attention in their Arts & Crafts creations are;
- Exaggerated bevels and bracket-supported overhangs
- Ring-turned feet and capped finials
- Beaten copper panels with Art Nouveau motifs
- Heavy, Gothic hardware
Utility furniture period pieces
During the World War II, I think the company’s adaptation is quite interesting. The company also contributed in the government’s utility furniture scheme at a time when timber was in short supply. Such pieces were labeled with the distinctive “CC41” mark (that stands for ‘Controlled Commodity 1941’). The scheme that was introduced in 1941 and ended in 1952 had as its object the provision of strong, well designed furniture which would meet the requirements of the post-war period with the minimum of materials. It is impressive, though, how Lebus later changed the approach to furniture construction by coming up with a way of constructing furniture with preformed sections and employing RF electricity-cured resin glue lines instead of metal fasteners.
Valuation and Investment Potential
In my years of collecting and dealing with antique furniture, I have seen the market for Harris Lebus furniture evolves dramatically. Currently, these pieces are in high demand and sell for a substantial price with prices ranging from $2,389 to $3,584 on premium platforms.
Most sought-after Lebus pieces
I think the most valuable furniture tends to come from their Arts and Crafts period and certain pieces that have distinct copper panels as well as Gothic hardware. It has been observed that the Victorian pieces especially those meant for upper class houses are in high demand and are expensive. As for the sideboards, the ones made from 1920 to 1940 with oak or walnut finish and Art Deco design can be sold from $1000 to $3000.
Factors affecting value
When assessing a Lebus piece, I consider several crucial factors:
- Original hardware and construction integrity
- Presence of authentic period-specific markings
- Quality of woods used (particularly Cuban Mahogany and Satin Walnut)
- Export history (pieces sold in markets like France and America often have unique features)
Current market trends
I have noticed a great change in the market in recent time. The increasing popularity of home improvement has 20% played from a $15,000 great in deal 2020 in to shaping $18,000 the in collector’s interest wherein homeowners’ median spending has risen by 2021. This increase in home renovation has especially helped the Harris Lebus collection as it not only has historical value but also utility.
The market is especially well developed in the online stores, where prices for quality items range from $895 to $6,766. I have also seen that the mid-century modern furniture particularly those with the company’s unique veneering techniques from the 1960s are becoming popular among the young collectors.
Conclusion
As I explored the realm of Harris Lebus furniture I discovered that these items are not just treasures. They tell a tale of British skill and creativity. Beginning as a workshop, in Hull and expanding into the furniture factory globally Lebus crafted pieces that still enchant collectors and fans today.
Harris Lebus furniture continues to captivate with its fusion of practicality and craftsmanship excellence! From exploring a mahogany closet to admiring an Art Deco buffet table. Each item narrates a unique tale, through its special design elements and era specific details curated from premium materials. The present market prices spanning from $895 to $6,766 mirror not their historical importance but their enduring durability and charm.
In my opinion and from my collection experience I think the furniture pieces, by Harris Lebus present an opportunity for investment especially with the increasing value placed on British craftsmanship. Successful collecting involves knowing the brands past identifying items and staying up to date on market trends. These classic pieces not enhance the beauty of a home. Also represent a link, to Britains rich furniture making tradition.
FAQs
Q1. How can I authenticate a Harris Lebus furniture piece? Look for distinctive features like the patented framed-up drawer side construction, metal plates with “The Lebus” followed by the furniture type, HLL stamps on brass lock faceplates, and rounded edges on drawer lock plates. However, keep in mind that not all authentic pieces were marked.
Q2. What are some of the most valuable Harris Lebus furniture styles? The most sought-after pieces are typically from the Arts and Crafts period, featuring copper panels and Gothic hardware. Victorian-era pieces and Art Deco sideboards from the 1920-1940 period, especially those in oak or walnut, are also highly valued.
Q3. What types of wood did Harris Lebus use in their furniture? Harris Lebus primarily used high-quality woods including Satin Walnut, Oak, Ash, Walnut, and Mahogany from Cuba and Honduras. In later periods, they also innovatively used Sapeli veneer, known for its distinctive stripey figure.
Q4. How did Harris Lebus adapt during World War II? During World War II, Harris Lebus played a crucial role in the government’s utility furniture scheme. They produced furniture bearing the “CC41” mark, focusing on strong, well-designed pieces that made efficient use of limited resources. The company also manufactured items to support the war effort, such as ammunition boxes and aircraft frames.
Q5. What is the current market value of Harris Lebus furniture? The market value of Harris Lebus furniture varies widely, with prices ranging from around $895 to $6,766 for quality pieces. Factors affecting value include the piece’s condition, authenticity, wood quality, and historical significance. Sideboards from the 1920-1940 periods typically fetch between $1,000 and $3,000.
