Question 1

What is a Victorian what-not?

Accepted Answer

A what-not is a French piece of furniture featuring an open-shelf design for small knick-knacks or ornaments. It’s generally a smaller piece of furniture used for display purposes. Browse a selection of what-not shelves on 1stDibs to proudly display your favorite collectibles.

Question 2

What is a Victorian washstand?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian washstand is a cabinet or stand designed to hold a pitcher and a basin. During the Victorian era, people used washstands to brush their teeth, wash their faces and perform other grooming tasks in their bedrooms. Shop a collection of washstands on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a Victorian chatelaine?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian chatelaine is a decorative clasp worn by women on the waist during the Victorian era. These were popular between the 16th and 18th centuries, and during the 19th century, they weren’t seen as often but were still considered fashionable. Women suspended useful household accessories from a chatelaine, including scissors, a needle case for sewing, keys and more. While all members of society wore chatelaines, the especially sculptural ones were donned in public and were sometimes considered a fashion statement. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Victorian chatelaines from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a Victorian ring?

Accepted Answer

Victorian rings are usually made with fine metals and feature impressive gemstones in ornate settings. The style of Victorian jewelry was defined during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901). Early Victorian rings were large, brightly colored, and boldly designed, with gemstones such as bloodstones, chalcedonies, garnets, moss agate, rubies, smoky quartz and topazes. During the mid-Victorian period, the designs were more sophisticated, using gemstones such as opals, crystals, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, black glass, jet, and rubies. In the late-Victorian period, platinum became widely used in the jewelry of the era and replaced gold and silver settings for the first time. Find a collection of antique and vintage Victorian rings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a Victorian Chiffonier?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian chiffonier is a type of low, two-door cupboard with a long cutlery drawer and shelves on top. It’s similar to a sideboard but distinguished by its smaller size. Shop a collection of antique Victorian chiffoniers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a Victorian Canterbury?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian canterbury is a type of furniture designed to hold sheet music. Canterburies are often designed with a drawer beneath for storage and are crafted with high-quality wood or metal, or a combination of both. Browse a selection of canterburies from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a disc bar?

Accepted Answer

A disc bar is a vintage based artifact generally used as a decorative object for your personal space. It highlights carvings and classic designs for an antique appeal. On 1stDibs, you can find disc bars made from different materials and designed in varying styles.

Question 8

What is a bar brooch?

Accepted Answer

A bar brooch is a type of pin brooch. It is horizontal and elongated and comes in all shapes and sizes. Bar brooches are popular due to their ease of fastening. The pin of the brooch hooks through a looped fastening, once the brooch is attached to the wearer's lapel. Find a collection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a bar area?

Accepted Answer

A bar area is conventionally defined as a place to store and serve alcoholic beverages. It comprises three main areas — the front bar, back bar, and under bar, and is accompanied by a seating area from which patrons can enjoy their drinks. Find a range of antique and vintage dry bars, stools and bar carts today on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is a rolling bar?

Accepted Answer

One of the most useful components of any party is a rolling bar, often known as a bar cart, tea trolley or serving cart. In addition to showcasing your favorite bottles of rye and local small-batch gin — or juices and mocktail ingredients — there is an undeniable allure to stacking statement glassware, vintage martini cocktail shakers and Art Deco decanter sets atop your fully stocked mid-century modern bar cart. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rolling bars from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is bar tray?

Accepted Answer

A bar tray is a flat serving tray designed for carrying drinks and glassware. Most commonly used by waitstaff, bar trays are generally made from metal or plastic and sometimes have a non-slip surface to prevent glassware from sliding. On 1stDibs, find a collection of bar trays from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 12

What is a bar counter?

Accepted Answer

A bar counter is an elevated countertop used to serve and rest beverages in restaurants, pubs or bars. Bar counters are also popularly found in modern homes, installed in the kitchen or dining room area for entertaining. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage barware, bar carts and more.

Question 13

What is a bar tray?

Accepted Answer

A bar tray is a flat, usually round tray that is designed for carrying and serving glassware. It is usually constructed using metal or plastic and is commonly used by waiters and bar staff. The bar trays are convenient to use for serving a large group of people. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary bar trays from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can you tell if furniture is Victorian?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is Victorian, look for a maker's mark or stamp on the piece. Not all pieces will be marked, but if yours is, you can begin identifying your furniture by researching the maker using trusted online resources. The Victorian era lasted roughly from the 1830s to the 1890s, and its furniture style spread from the UK to Europe and the United States. If the maker of your furniture was active during that time frame and produced pieces similar to yours, then it is likely to be Victorian. If you cannot locate the mark, you'll need to understand the characteristics of Victorian furniture to assess your piece. Victorian furniture is usually regal, ornate and luxurious and often features curved lines and stately proportions, floral or geometric carvings and inlays, richly colored woods and highly detailed embellishments. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help you determine what period your furniture is from. Shop a diverse assortment of Victorian furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do I identify a Victorian chair?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.

Question 16

What is a Victorian book chain?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian book chain is a piece of jewelry — usually a necklace — that can be found in gold, sterling silver and other materials. Each link in the chain is a rectangle-shaped piece of folded metal that resembles a book. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Victorian book chains from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is a Victorian mourning brooch?

Accepted Answer

As the name suggests, mourning jewelry represents connection to a deceased individual or loved one. In the Victorian era, people were expected to wear mourning clothing and accessories following the death of a loved one. As brooches were popular during the Victorian period, they became a favorite for those who wanted to memorialize the dead. Find a collection of vintage and antique brooches on 1stDibs today.

Question 18

What is a Victorian slipper chair?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is a Victorian-cut diamond?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian-cut diamond features a top crown that is distinctly multifaceted — it has a small table and step-cut bottom pavilion that comprises 73 facets. It appears quite large when set. Relatedly, rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry and are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian.

Question 20

What is a Victorian fainting couch?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian fainting couch is a piece of furniture that has one raised end and one low end. It accommodates one person who rests their back against the high end and stretches their legs out along the seat. Today, this piece of furniture is known as a chaise lounge. Find a selection of fainting couches on 1stDibs.

T Bar Victorian

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Victorian Silver Albert Chain with T-Bar

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Pocket Watches

Antique Victorian T-Bar Box Pocket Watch Tassel Chain

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Bracelets

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Chain Bracelet with T-Bar

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Bracelets

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Curb Bracelet with T-Bar

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian 14K Gold Pocket Watch Chain Necklace with T-Bar

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Jewelry

Victorian Albert Curb Chain with T-Bar and Carnelian Fob

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Link Necklaces

Antique Victorian 14KT Yellow Gold Chain With T-Bar 28 Inches Long

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Late Victorian 15 Carat Rose Gold Antique T-bar Pendant, Circa 1900

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar

Antique 1890s Victorian Link Necklaces

Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Intricate Link Chain T Bar Necklace - 15 Inches

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Victorian Albert Chain Necklace 2 Dog Clips White Gold Filled Fancy Link T Bar

Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 32g 9K Rose Gold Curb Link Albert Chain with T-bar Spring Ring

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Side Chairs

Antique New England T-Back Punch Holes Seat Maple Chair, 1880s

Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Tray Tables

19thc Large Antique Papier-Mâché & Mother of Pearl Inlay w Gold Leaf Tray Table

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian Double Albert Necklace Dartboard Medal 18 Carat Gold on Silver

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Bracelets

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Curb Bracelet with T-Bar

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian T Bar Chain 9 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace

Antique 1890s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian T Bar Chain 15 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace

Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Graduated Chain T Bar Necklace

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian Curb Link 9K Albert Chain W T Bar, 16.5"

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Double Albert Chain with T Bar

Early 20th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9 Karat Rose Gold Albert Chain, T Bar, c1900

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Yellow Gold Tassel Drop Chain T-Bar Brooch Pin

Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9K Rose Gold Curb Link T Bar Necklace Chain - 18.5 Inches

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Edwardian 9 Carat Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Hallmarked 1909 Sterling Silver Curb Link Albert Chain w T Bar, 18"

Antique 1870s English Late Victorian Barware

English Victorian Stoneware and Sterling Silver Ice Bucket / Pail, 1873

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian Silver Albert Chain, Watch Chain

Antique 1890s Victorian Choker Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9k rose gold Fob chain Circa 1890 -1900

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Side Chairs

Jennens & Bettridge Brimm Parcel Gilt Papier Mâché Mother of Pearl Birds Chair

Antique 1880s English Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Albert Watch Chain (1881)

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace with T Bar

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Double Albert Chain with T-Bar

Early 20th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian Albert Chain T Bar Necklace Vintage 9 Karat Gold Curb Link

Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Heavy Cable Link Pocket Watch Chain with Pencil T Bar

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Link Necklaces

C1900 Sterling Silver Paper Link Albert Chain w T Bar, 20"

Vintage 1920s British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Double Albert Pocket watch Chain with "T" Bar in British 9-K Rose Gold, Antique

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces

Antique Victorian 9kt Gold Fancy Link Albert Chain

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Chain Necklaces

Late Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Fob Chain Circa 1900

Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces