What’s It Worth? : Solid Appeal

WHAT IS IT?

A solid birch Heywood-Wakefield credenza, circa 1950-55. Part of a dining room set, it has a full-length top drawer and adjustable shelves inside two end cabinets with doughnut pulls. There are three drawers down the center.

“This is in the Streamline Modern style, which is the most sought-after style,” says Alisa Woody of Woody’s Early Misc. in Orange.

WHAT’S ITS HISTORY?

Massachusetts’ Heywood-Wakefield Furniture Co. was two separate businesses--Heywood Bros. and Wakefield Rattan Co.--in the 1800s. The companies combined in 1897 to make wicker, rattan, oak and other furniture.

Most of Heywood-Wakefield’s furniture is collectible, but the most appealing line to collectors is Streamline Modern blond furniture, which was made from the late 1930s and hit its peak in the 1950s.

WHAT’S THE LEGEND?

This credenza, along with its complementary table and six chairs, was given to a friend of Carol Wolfert of Brea. “It was bequeathed to her by her great aunt and has been in the family for years. We really don’t know much about it,” Wolfert says.

WHY IS IT POPULAR TODAY?

“The furniture is solid wood, with no veneer, so it was really meant to last,” Woody says. “All ages seem to love it, although people in their 30s and 40s are the most avid collectors.”

WHAT’S IT WORTH TODAY?

“A lot depends on the condition,” says Woody, whose store has been specializing in Heywood-Wakefield furniture for 15 years.

In pristine condition, the credenza could bring $500 to $1,000 in some markets. Pristine is close to showroom-perfect, with its original finish in original luster with no wear to the varnish or flaking of any kind.

WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

Woody’s has a large selection (https://www.hometown.aol.com/bcwoody3/myhomepage/in

dex.html). Another source is Tri-State Antique Center on the Internet (https://www.tri-stateantiques.com/ heywood-wakefield/faq.html). Stores specializing in ‘50s modern furniture often have some pieces.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

There are several books on the subject. “Heywood-Wakefield Modern Furniture Identification and Value Guide,” by Steve and Roger Rouland, is available at Woody’s and on the Internet.