Home » Home & Style » Antiques & Collectibles » Questions from Readers

Questions from Readers

© Barbara Bell

I've received a number of questions from readers this summer, sending me to the reference books on my bookshelf and to the Web for answers. These two readers asked about furniture they'd received from family members:

---

Hi there, I have a small Cushman table that was given to me and I was wondering what it is and it's worth. It has a small cabinet that appears to be lined inside it with a hard material. On the top of the table it has a round indentation about the size of the bottom of a peanut butter jar? Any ideas?? Please let me know. Thank you. Josh

I had never heard of the Cushman furniture company until your letter arrived. I've done some searching and learned that the company operated during the first half of the 1900's, was located in Vermont, and specialized in Colonial and Mission styles of furniture. In addition, the company designed some interesting "odd" pieces like a chair/stand for shining shoes, with storage space underneath, and a telephone stand with hinged chair. The furniture was solid, well-made, and aged to look older than it was. At first, mahogany and maple were used, but in later years Canadian yellow birch was used exclusively as it was more durable than anything else. Perhaps your table had a special function as well. Cushman made an entire line of "smoker" furniture (I don't know exactly what that means) and your table's indentation might have held an ashtray or cigar humidor. Other smoking supplies or tobacco might have been stored below.

I have not been able to find any descriptions of a table exactly like yours, or prices. However, Cushman seems to be a popular collectible in New England, especially in Vermont. Several chat boards I saw indicated that Cushman furniture is being sold on e-bay.

My suggestions are to search e-bay for "Cushman" and see what comes up - you may find something similar or find someone who can answer your questions.

Or, try looking at a Kovel's or Warman's Price Guide at the library or bookstore. While Cushman furniture is not antique, if people are collecting it you may find some information in these price guides. 20th century furniture design is a popular subject; you might find other books which will help.

I just found this book on Cushman furniture listed on e-bay. You can either order it here or perhaps find it at a bookstore. Here is the link:

The copyright of the article Questions from Readers in Antiques & Collectibles is owned by . Permission to republish Questions from Readers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.