Glossary of Antique Terms
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Half-tester bed Bed with a canopy that projects over only half the bed.

Hall chair An armless chair with tall back and wooden seat. Sometimes the seat is hinged, lifting to reveal a small compartment underneath.

Hall stand A tall stand fitted with a mirror, pegs or hooks for hanging hats and scarves, umbrella holders, and sometimes a small drawer for gloves.

Lady’s chair A chair with low seat and small brackets at the sides, made for the lady of the Victorian household.

Library table A writing table made for a library.

Marquetry A veneer composed of various shapes of wood in contrasting colors that form a pictorial design.

Nickel silver A silver-white alloy composed of copper, nickel and zinc.

Ormolu A bronze mount with gilding.

Overglaze enamel Describes a colored enamel applied over a clear glaze.

Overlay glass Glass made in two or more layers of contrasting colors that are cut through to expose the under layers.

Overmantel mirror A mirror made to stand over a mantelpiece.

Parian An unglazed porcelain with a marble like texture. Similar to biscuit, or bisque, porcelain.

Parquetry A veneer forming a geometric pattern, achieved by arranging the wood so that the grain runs in various directions.

Pattern glass Alternative term for pressed glass.

Pier mirror A mirror made to hang on a wall between two windows.

Pier table A table made to stand against a wall between two windows.

Pilaster A flat column.

Pressed glass Glass whose shape and decoration are formed in a mold.

Quadruple plate Four layers of plating on silverplated wares.

Repoussé High-relief (raised) decoration on silver.

Reticulated Repeating pattern of small shaped openings in a ceramic body.

Rocaille A motif associated with the Rococo Revival style, typically shell-like with a scalloped edge and ribbed surface, sometimes pierced with openings.

Rockingham ware Pottery covered with a streaky brown glaze.

Settee A small sofa.

Side chair A chair without arms.

Sideboard A large cabinet made for the dining room. Usually fitted with drawers, cupboard doors, and a large back panel with small shelves above a marble top.

Sterling silver Silver that is 925 to 1000 parts (92.5%) silver.

Strapwork A decorative motif imitating flat, scrolling bands of leather.

Swag A piece of fabric suspended from two points, falling in folds and forming tails at both sides.

Term A support that is part architectural and part human or animal, consisting of a pedestal combined with the torso and head of a man, woman or animal.

Transfer ware White earthenware with a design printed in blue, black, red, or purple.

Triple plate Three layers of plating on silverplated wares.

Underglaze enamel Describes a colored enamel applied under the glaze, painted directly onto the porcelain body after the first firing.

Wardrobe A cupboard for storing clothes, usually fitted with two doors, sometimes with drawers at the base.

Washstand A stand made to hold a water pitcher, basin, soap dish, and other objects used for washing. Usually made with a backsplash and sometimes with a cabinet under the top.

What not Alternative term for an étagère.

White metal An alternative term for Britannia metal.

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