How do I identify a Heywood-Wakefield chair?

To identify a Heywood-Wakefield chair, you can first look for a maker's mark. Beginning in 1949, the manufacturer began affixing paper labels to the undersides of chair seats. These labels usually feature the brand name along with an eagle logo. Unfortunately, the paper labels tended to come loose over time, so not all chairs will feature them, and pieces produced before 1949 are usually unmarked. If you can't find a marking, examine the hardware that holds the chair together. Heywood-Wakefield typically used Phillips head screws, so the presence of other types of fasteners will usually indicate that a different manufacturer produced the chair. In addition, the maker only utilized solid wood to construct its chairs. If you see plywood or veneers, your chair is probably not a Heywood-Wakefield. Because it can be difficult to identify an unmarked chair on your own, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you. Explore a range of Heywood-Wakefield chairs on 1stDibs.