Q: We recently bought a French provincial-style sideboard from a friend of ours and would like to learn something about the maker. There is a plastic label inside one of the drawers that says “Made by John-Widdicomb Co., Designed by Ralph H. Widdicomb, Grand Rapids.”

A: There were two furniture companies in Grand Rapids, Mich., with the name Widdicomb. George Widdicomb emigrated from England in 1858 and opened a cabinet shop. His four sons joined the business, which became Widdicomb Furniture Co. in 1873. George’s son John left the company in 1893 and established a business making fireplace mantels and woodwork. John’s company became John Widdicomb Co. in 1897. John Widdocomb Co. gradually acquired several other furniture companies. In 1970 it bought the name Widdicomb Furniture Co., which had been inactive for several years. John’s nephew, Ralph H. Widdicombe (who used the original spelling of the family’s last name), was the chief designer for the John Widdicomb Co. until 1951. His French provincial designs were introduced in 1924. L. & J.G. Stickley of Manlius, N.Y., bought the brand name and assets of John Widdicomb Co. in 2002. Stickley now manufactures a line of very expensive John Widdicomb furniture.

 

 

8 responses to “Widdicomb Furniture Sideboard”

  1. aburg1102 says:

    Hello, I have Witticomb furniture but need new dresser handles. Does anyone know of a good place for this? Thanks.

  2. PittsburghRarities166 says:

    We have a nine drawer 3-tier Widdicomb chest in near-mint, pristine condition for anyone interested. We are in the Pittsburgh and would be willing to take serious enquirers, albeit at a discount, for shipping, etc.

    Thanks.

  3. drew1953 says:

    I have a hand carve dresser, beautiful and in excellent condition. who can I contact to get more information on it?

  4. OShay says:

    I’ve been looking for the JW coffee table that is light brass colored body with a black/gold flowered trim around a glass top. Any idea how to track one down?
    I saw one at an estate sale in Denver, but it was already sold and can’t find the buyer! Thank you.

  5. grun331 says:

    I recently acquired a bed from an auction, there is a stamp on the back of the headboard, manufactured by Widdicomb furniture co. Grand Rapids Michigan, the bed is about as wide as a single bed, the bed was sold as Victorian era, the auctioneer did not see the name on the head board and was visibly upset when I told him what it is, if anyone can help with information about this bed please let me know, thank you

  6. DawnofGR says:

    and would like to add some other piece if I can find them.
    Alice – i see your post is a year old. Are you still looking for JW pieces to add to your collection?

  7. Jenbkr says:

    My husband and I have a John Widdicomb dresser with mirror and wood bed frame. They have hand painted rose on both. They are stamped with 1920 inspection and other numbers underneath the drawers and on the back of the headboard. Trying to find someone with any knowledge of these items. The metal plaquard says 1865 located in the right upper drawer.

  8. 5bums says:

    We inherited a Widdicomb king size wall unit purchased around 1978 and would like to add some other piece if I can find them. How do I go about identifying style, etc.?

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