S. Karpen Bros. Furniture
www.skarpenfurniture.com

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In the late 1950s, my dad purchased a Windsor style arm chair at an estate auction for $1.50. The chair has a decorative lyre-back style with a heart cut-out design centered up the back, which extends from the seat to the crest of the arched rail. The back of the seat base has the brass "Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture, Chicago-New York" tag. The seat is the usual "anatomically suited for bottoms" style. The legs are rounded with several teardrop turnings and have gently oval-styled turned rungs from the front to the back legs, with one stretcher across the middle of the rungs that has two turned beads. Without my submitting a photo, can you give me any information on this chair, i.e. age...and is it worth more than $1.50 now! (HA!) Thank you!
Emily Rose: It sounds like you have a pretty early Karpen Windsor chair. It dates from 1906 to 1916. Many people have contacted me with Windsor chairs even from this early period. I love hearing stories like yours.

I have a Karpen Lounge Chair and 3 seat Sofa. I am wondering about the seat construction. It has these interlocking bowed wooden like springs. Do you know anything about this?
Emily Rose: Depending on the age of the pieces, I might be able to find some information about this. Please send me photos of the pieces and the tags as well as the seat construction and I will check my materials. Please send the photos to erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a windsor arm chair with a rope seat. I see numbers 8297-72 written in yellow and the brass plate with Karpen, which says guaranteed construction furntiure and Chicago, Michagan and New York. Can you sell me the age and value? Thanks for your time.
Emily Rose: Karpen made Windsor chairs for decades. Yours was made between 1916 and 1933. I can send you some materials about it if you want. I am not an antiques dealer so do not give valuations.

I have a Vanity with mirror and bench and I would like to sell it. It has a small metal tag on the inside of one of the drawer saying Karpen Furniture Chicago. It is pretty old but it looks very good. jterrio@socal.rr.com I live in So. Calif.
Emily Rose: Your pieces probabably date from the 1930s or 1940s. S. Karpen Bros. bought a large factory in Los Angeles in 1927 so it might have been made there. I am not an antiques dealer so do not give valuations.

I have a windsor rocker with a cane seat. It has the Karpen guaranteed tag. Any ideas how old it is and worth? Carol Ann
Emily Rose: Karpen made Windsor chairs for decades. I can send you some materials about it. Please send me photos of the piece and the tag and I will send some advertisements and let you know about when it was made. I am not an antiques dealer so do not give valuations. Send photos to erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have 3 pieces of old Karpen oak furnishings a 3 seat love seat very high back and 2 very big chairs with arms all look like black oak or pieces that went in a church. help id and get a price. thanks chuck .
The pieces also could have been made for a fraternal order hall. Please send me photos of the pieces and the tags and I will check my materials. I am not an antiques dealer so do not give valuations. Send photos to erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Hello, we just picked up this desk off Craig's List and it has a Karpen tag on the inside of the middle drawer. Photos are located at http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/1003/sosilly/Karpen/ Any information about this desk would be appreciated. My email is sosilly27@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Emily Rose: [after seeing photos]. Your desk was made in the late 1930s or 1940s. S. Karpen Bros. had many factories in those years; it could have been made in any of the factories. It looks very sturdy.

(Responding to the last entry) The furniture does have tag pin holes on the back underside of each piece and the holes are about an inch apart. The tags must have gotten lost while the set was getting reulpolstered at one time.Thank you for your info!
Emily Rose: Excellent. So I would say that they are Karpen. If you want, you may send me a photo of piece/s and I can check my materials. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Hello, I have mahogany cane back furniture set with a sofa, rocker and chair, and I was wondering if it was made by Karpen because it is missing tags on all the pieces. If the set is made by Karpen, could you give me estimation on the value of the pieces, and I would like to know the age of the pieces too. p.s. the upholstery isn't original. Thank you! Here's the link to the photos: http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w73/e_brearey/?action=view¤t=f1210564.pbw
Emily Rose:[after seeing photo]. Your set certainly looks like Karpen, but if it does not have the tags (or even tag tack holes), it is not Karpen. All Karpen pieces had tags. The style looks like 1910-1920. I'm sorry, I do not give valuations since I am not an antiques dealer.

I have a Karpen Guaranteed rocker w/original tapestry, oval metal tag. I am more interested in history and other pieces available, especially arm chairs. Thank you. Penny Sample
Emily Rose: Please send a photo of the chair and tag. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a piece of furniture, "hutch" two pieces looks simular to the one in an ad "This Karpen Grup of More Charn than Cost" I'll like to sell it but have no idea of it's cost. Where can I send a photo and or get an idea of it's worth? Thank you in advance, Denise Harrower ijuanacook@aol.com
Emily Rose: [After seeing photo] The hutch is probably from the 1920s, but please send a photo of the tag. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Hello, Can you tell me the time period that My Karpen Windsor chair may have been made? It has I believe jute rope on part of the seat and the rest solid wood. Very good condition. Normal Use and Patina.
Karpen windsor chairs were made for decades. If you send me a photo of the chair and tag I could be more specific.I will also send you some advertisements with the Windsor chairs.erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Why do the dining chairs have wheels on the two front legs?
Emily Rose: Most of the pieces made before a certain date had the wheels to make moving the heavy furniture around easier. My theory is that no one considered the wheels unsightly. I do not know the exact date when the wheels were discontinued. I think it was around 1910, but I could be wrong. If you are asking about a Karpen piece, you might send me a photo with the tag and I can date it for you. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I HAVE A 5 PIECE SET OF WICKER FURNITURE WINDSOR STYLE WHICH INCLUDES THE THREE COUSHION COUCH, CHAIR, ROCKER, SIDE TABLE AND PLANT STAND.THE COUSHIONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE ORIGINAL COLOR WAS HUNTER GREEN BUT IT HAS BEEN PAINTED MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS PRESENTLY IT IS WHITE. THE CONDITION OF THE FURNITURE IS GOOD TO EXCELLENT. THEY HAVE THE METAL KARPEN FURNITURE TAG AND PAPER LABLE. MY GRANDMOTHER BOUGHT IT AT A GARAGE SALE WHEN SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH MY MOTHER AND HER TWIN SISTER. IN MITCHELL, SD. MY MOTHER IS NOW 80 YEARS OLD. I HAVE MANY PICTURES OF MY MOTHER AND HER TWIN ON THIS FURNITURE. I AM COURIOS TO KNOW THE VALUE OF THIS SET. THANK YOU. JANICE CALIFORNIA
Emily Rose: I would love to see some photos of the pieces and the tag. Then I would be able to date it more exactly. S. Karpen Bros. made wicker and also fiber rush furniture in their Michigan City, Indiana factory from 1916 to 1933. I would love to see some of the old photos too. If you need my snail address, please e-mail me; otherwise please put Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

Thanks so much for your informative website and the time you must put into your research. I have just sent you an email regarding a chair I purchased at a yard sale a few years back. Included are 6 photos of details of chair as well as a close up of the metal label for Karpen Furniture of Chicago, Michigan City, and New York. I would greatly appreciate whatever info you can give me regarding this chair. Thanks so much. Chris
Emily Rose:You're welcome. [after seeing photos]Your chair dates from the 1920s to 1933. I don't think the upholstery is original.

We own a Karpen sofa bed bought about 9 years ago from a local furniture store. The sofa has held up well but would like to buy a cover to change the look. Any suggestions?
Emily Rose:It was manufactured after Karpen was sold in the 1950s. Schnadig bought S. Karpen Bros. in the 1950s, and they continue to use the Karpen name.I have no information on the quality or durability. Karpen pieces were reknown for last for a long, long time.

This could be a much improved site with great reference information if photos were submitted and displayed. Just reading a brief description is near worthless. Please find a way to encourage photos and the display same as well as a dating for the inquiry. Thanks, Ben.
Emily Rose:Ben, thank you for your suggestion. I certainly agree with you, but at this point this is not a commercial site. My website tech group is upgrading and hopefully posting photos will be possible in the near future. My concern is that it will require a larger (and more costly) website and a lot more time on my part. At this time, I can provide information based on what people write or they send me photos by e-mail, and I send them the information they need. So please check back in a few months.

I have a small wooden chair with "Karpen Guaranteed Furniture Chicago New York" on a plate on the back of the seat. It is roughly 3 feet tall maybe 2 feet wide, just wood, no arms. My great grandmother used it since my mother could remember so that got me to looking on here. I have had no luck finding anything, a date would be great, and I am working on a picture. Thanx
Emily Rose: Your chair dates from 1906 to 1916. If you send me a photo of the chair and tag, I can send you some information. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a Winsor chair with the Karpen label on the back and bottom. It belonged to my late grandparents. Do you know anyone that is looking for one or the value?
Emily Rose: Windsor chairs are often for sale on eBay so you could check there for that information. If you send me a photo, I can send you some information. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

We recently purchased what I call an arm chair. It has a partial label underneath that seems to read Indianapolis, IND. and a street address. It is dark in color (looks like some type of tiger wood) It has a shell design at the top of the chair and Sleigh style arms. There seems to be large springs in the seat and the seat is the only upholstered part) Looks like original upholstery. It has a low back and has wooden wheels on the legs. The wood is dark (perhaps mahogany) It is woven underneath (wide woven straps) and under that is a burlap material. Do you have any ideas as how to date this chair and who the maker is? The design and curves seem to look Victorian? Any help would be appreciated. I can email pictures if you would like. Thanks, Deonna
Emily Rose: It doesn't sound like a Karpen piece so I doubt I can help you. But if you send me photos of the pieces and tags, I will look at them. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I found what appears to be an old rocker and sofa in my mother in laws bunkhouse at her ranch. I have no idea how old it is, maybe not old at all. The rocker does not have a metal tag; it is engraved in the wood, Karpen Guaranteed Chicago New York Michigan City. It has wicker on the sides and halfway up the back. I did not bring the sofa home yet. Maybe you could give me an idea on how old it is and what I should reupholster it in.
Emily Rose: The rocker dates from 1916-1933. It would have been used on a sun porch or covered porch. Let me know if there is a tag on the sofa.

Hi. I was given a couch a few years ago with the name Karpen beneath one of the cushions with the numbers 8500 0050 23. The material is reds, greens, and tan and it's striped. It seems to look like Oak wood, but am not sure. Can you tell me anything about this and how much it is worth?
It was probably manufactured after Karpen was sold in the 1950s. Schnadig bought S. Karpen Bros. in the 1950s, and they continue to use the Karpen name. If you send me photos of the pieces and tags, I will check my materials. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

We have a Karpen couch purchased from Carls Furniture in Fort Lauderdale, FL in the 1980's It has a tag that only has the Karpen name and some numbers. The numbers are, "8500 0500 23". Can you tell when this was manufactured? Bill B
Emily Rose: Schnadig bought S. Karpen Bros. in the 1950s, and they continue to use the Karpen name. You might contact Schnadig Furniture Co. for more information.

Thanks..... Re love seat.... we will try for a better picture of the carvings on the wood, front, top of the love seat. Is that what will help you?
Emily Rose:[after seeing new photos] The photos are fine. It looks like it might be a custom set as the carving is unusual. I will check, but I don't think I will find anything.

I have a love seat which has the Karpen plaque on the back. Would love to know the value, but wonder if that is possible without a date? Any info from anyone????
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos]Your settee dates from 1906-1910. I would need clearer photos to check my materials. I cannot see the carving.

I have a 5 chair set and a dining table with metal tags on the bottom of the chairs: Karpen Furniture, Guaranteed Construction, Chicago, Michigan City, New York On the bottom of each chair there is a paper tag that says the pattern number is 1598-4 for each of the chairs. They are walnut. Thanks for any help you may have in dating these, etc.
Emily Rose: They date from 1916 to 1933. If you send me photos of the pieces and tags, I will check my materials. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a Chair with small matching footstool with the Karpen Metal Tag Guaranteed Construction CHICAGO Michigan City. New York. The Chair has wicker on the chair back center and sides, between the wicker is ornate design. The entire chair is very ornate and has large springs in the seat cushion. The small footstool is approx. 1ft X 2ft and has some ornate design on it. I hope you can help me determine the year it was made. I have searched extensively on the web and was surprised to find your site. I appreciate your time with the research of this brand of furniture. Thank You Cindy (Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Emily Rose: They date from 1916 to 1933. If you send me photos of the pieces and tags, I will check my materials. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Rose, 10/10/07. We have a single bed- front & rear head boards with a metal tag that reads "KARPEN Guaranteed Construction Furniture Chicago Michigan City New York" Can you guess- ti-mate when it was made? Value? We are currently refurbishing it. Oliver Orrozco
I HAVE A TWIN BED HEAD BOARD FOOT BOARD.
Emily Rose: Your bed was made between 1916 and 1933, most likely from 1927-1933. If you want to send me photos, I can check my materials. I believe Karpen Bros. started making bedroom furniture after it bought a large furniture factory in Los Angeles. erose@emrosebooks.com, please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a vanity that was my grandmothers I think 1930's? I don’t know but I have tried for years to find the maker and year and some history. I have pictures but I can’t seem to send them to you, any suggestions? Maybe I could put them on myspace and you could go to look at them?
Emily Rose: If it has a Karpen tag or label I can help you. Please send me photos of the piece and tag/label. erose@emrosebooks.com. Put Karpen in subject line.

I have a Nelson Matter dresser with an attached mirror and a guaranteed dresser with an attached mirror. Can you tell me what the value is? Thanks, Beana
Emily Rose: I am not clear if your piece was made by Karpen. If not, I really cannot help you. If it is, please send me photos of the piece and tag. erose@emrosebooks.com, and put Karpen in the subject line.

Hi. So glad to find your website. I just purchased an old arm chair at a yard sale that caught my eye because of the ornate carving below the seat that attached to the two front legs. There is a round carved piece attached in the center of the red upholstery on the round back of the chair. It also has some decorative carving on the round wood on the back of the chair, on the edge of the wood that holds the upholstered seat, and at the bottom of the two front legs. The metal plaque on the back underside of the seat says KARPEN Guaranteed CONSTRUCTION FURNITURE CHICAGO MICHIGAN CITY NEW YORK. I will try to send photos.
Emily Rose: Please do send photos of the piece, carvings, and tag. erose@emrosebooks.com & put Karpen in the subject line. By the tag, the chair dates from 1916 to 1933.

I have a three piece set, matching sofa, rocker, and chair. They have cane backs and sides and they all have cushions and it's cherry wood. I would like to know how old and a name? Thank you (9-14-2007) (we)
Emily Rose:I am not clear if these are made by Karpen by your description. Please send me photos of the chair, loveseat, rocker and all the tags. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a three piece set cherry wood, Cain back and sides, 3-cushion sofa, rocker with cushion & chair with cushion. It has the metal tag on the bottom of each. Can anyone tell me the age and if it have a name and? It also kinda looks like "Heywood Wakefield design. Thank you
Emily Rose:Please send me photos of the chair, loveseat, and the tags. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

Hi I have a black wicker tea cart on wheels. The tray on top has handles and comes off. The sticker on the bottom says Karpen. Do you know anything about this piece? Thanks for any info you can give. Cindi sweetgramie@yahoo.com
Emily Rose:Your tea cart probably dates from 1916 to 1933. Please send me photos of the teacart and the tag and sticker. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line. Then I will check my catalogues and advertisements.

Hi, I have a loveseat and chair from Karpen. On the back is a plaque that says Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture Chicago New York. They have been refinished at least once. Do you know about what time frame these pieces may be from? Thanks.
Emily Rose: They date from 1906 to 1916. If you send me photos, I can check my catalogues and advertisements and probably can narrow the timeframe. Please send me photos of the chair, loveseat, and the tag. erose@emrosebooks.com; please put Karpen in the subject line.

A painted white chair with a carved rose on the back was donated to a charity. It is marked Karpen guaranteed Furniture. We'd like to know its approximate date.
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos] Your chair dates from the late 1930s to 1940s.

I have 6 ladderback chairs by Karpen, they are very pretty. How can I find out the value ??? Thanks Nellie
Emily Rose: [after seeing photos] The chairs date from 1916 to 1933. These ladderback chairs were very popular and were featured in many Karpen catalogues and advertisements.

We have a Karpen secretary desk that my mom purchased in 1971 from an antique store. It has a crackled golden paint finish with trailing flowers down the front doors. The inside is a lime green. Can you tell me about it?'
Emily Rose: I have seen similar pieces in some trade magazines from around 1916, but I would have to see photos of the piece and the Karpen tag. Please send photos to erose@emrosebooks.com and put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a dark finish Windsor chair in excellent condition. I know they were common, but I would like to date it. The metal tag states, "Karpen Guaranteed Construction Furniture Chicago Michigan City New York" The paper tag indicates," On Every Piece, Karpen Guaranteed Construction Furniture Chicago Michigan City New York, Upholstered Furniture, Handwoven Fiber and Enameled Cane, Davenport Beds, Windsor Chairs, Pattern No. 8223-21 (pattern no in pencil hard to read) Finish (cannot not read) UPM No. (Cannot read) Order # (cannot read.
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos] Yes they were popular. Yours dates from the 1920s to 1933. Some had rush seats and others like yours were made with wood seats. Yours is in nice condition.I'm sending you some marketing materials with chairs like yours.

This goes with the 3-pc. walnut set. It also had horsehair cushion. The tag also says Chicago, Ill.

I have a three piece walnut 1 chair, 1 rocker each with one cushion & 1 3-cushion sofa, all with cane backs and sides. They have a metal tag "Karpen guaranteed furniture" this was my grandmother's. Can you give any information?
Emily Rose: I would need to see photos of the pieces and the tag. Pls. send them to erose@emrosebooks.com and put Karpen in the subject line. Then I will see what I can find.

Is Karpen furniture valuable?
Emily Rose: I would say it depends on the piece. Since Karpen Bros. was in business from 1880 to 1952, they produced many pieces in different styles. If you want, send me photos of the piece with the tag, and I will try to give you information. I am not an antiques dealer so do not give valuations. Please put Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

I have a sofa, rocker, straight chair. Small oval tag with s.karpen guaranteed furniture. Purchased at an auction 12 yrs ago-the auctioneer said the furniture was 1910s-1920s. It has been redone, stripped, clear varnish, new fabric, deck/springs restrung. I need fast help getting info-moving in a week & half and I don't want to move furniture into storage "again". Very simple style & still sturdy after all these years. I have pictures-
Emily Rose [after seeing photos]:Your set dates from after 1916 to 1933; most likely the 1920s. It seems to be an adaptation of the styles Karpen Bros. made around the 1910s.

I have just purchased a kidney shaped wicker vanity or lady's writing desk. When I took out the drawer it had a S. Karpen Bros. label. (Karpen Handwoven Fiber- pattern no. 3735 and the order # is 917103 or could be 9/7/03 finish is also there but is hardly legible. Can anyone tell me anything about this piece?
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos] Your pieces date from 1916 to 1933. It was probably made of paper fiber rush. It was made in Karpen's factory in Michigan City, Indiana. I'll send you some pictures from the Karpen catalogues.

Hi, I have a well constructed wooden arm chair with a woven seat with a metal tag on the bottom of the chair indicating that this chair was manufactured by Karpen Furniture Company (please see photos). I have sent photos to your e-mail address at erose@emrosebooks.com. Can you tell me anything about my chair? Thank you.
Emily Rose: [after seeing the photos] Yours is a Windsor chair manufactured by S. Karpen Bros. between 1916 and 1933. Yes, they were well made and yours is in very good condition.

Great to find this site. Just sent you pics. The pics are of a parlor set I purchased a few years ago which I was told was Karpen and Bros, Chicago… but I see no tags… possibly removed? They appear to be all original and are in extremely fine condition… almost as if someone had simply purchased and stored them. The only flaw I see is that one pin for one of the wooden wheels on the loveseat has been replaced with a bent nail. The set consists of the loveseat, armed chair, and 2 bustle chairs. Anything you could tell me about them would be appreciated. Thanks, Brenda
Emily Rose: [after seeing photos] These pieces look like they were made at the turn of the century, but they do not have a Karpen tag. I suggested she check the very fine book by Sharon Darling, Chicago Furniture for more clues.

I have an upholstered chair built by Karpen. I am curious as to the history, value etc.
Please send me photos of your chair and any labels and tags. I will then get back to you. erose@emrosebooks.com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

I found a Karpen gothic style sofa. It is 8' long and 44' high. The cushion, back and a small part of each arm is upholstered in a gold stripe material. The square metal tag on the back of the piece says "Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture Chicago New York". Inside the cushion is hog hair. Any idea when this was made or what collection it might have been a part of?
Emily Rose: It dates from 1906 to 1916. If you send me photos of the piece and the tag, I will check my materials. erose@emrosebooks.com and put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a rocking chair that has a metal tag on the bottom of the chair it says "KARPEN GUARANTEED CONSTRUCTION FURNITURE CHICAGOMICHIGAN City, NY." The back of this chair is a cane finish, I think this is original. However I did replace the cushion with needle point material. However, how do I determine the age of this antique rocking chair that was in an old boarding house my mother purchased in the late sixties.
Emily Rose: Your rocking chair dates from 1916 to 1933. If you send me photos of the chair and the tag, I will look for more information about it. erose@emrosebooks.com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

Hi, I just sent you an email of pictures of a single chair that has the metal tag which says Karpen. I would love to know if you can tell me anything about it. The email should be from foxieladie1 and I put the name Karpen in the subject line. There are 3 pictures of the chair. Thank you so much
Emily Rose [after seeing photo]Thanks for contacting me. It is a typical Windsor chair. By the metal tag information it was made between 1911 and 1916. These chairs were inexpensive and were featured in many catalogues as an item that sells well in retail stores. I'm sending you some of these marketing materials.

Did Karpen make any giant chairs? I have a huge throne like chair that has a Karpen tag on the back. Not sure if they made anything like it.
Emily Rose: [after seeing the photos] Your carved leather seat and back chair was made for use in churches and fraternal order halls. It had a Karpen label used on some of its leather furniture. I found a similar one in a 1907 Karpen furniture catalogue that I will send you.

HI WE HAVE A ROCKER THAT BELONGED TO MY HUSBANS GREAT GRAND FATHER. IT HAS A TAG ON THE BOTTOM THAT SAYS FORD & JOHNSON CHICAGO IL. IT DOES HAVE # CQ81-7 HDV THAT IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IT SAYS. CAN YOU GIVE US ANY INFORMATION ON THIS? ITS AGE? VALUE? OR ANYTHING WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU STEPHANIE.
Emily Rose: Ford Johnson was a major furniture manufacturer in Chicago. They also had a factory in Michigan City, Indiana which was sold to S. Karpen Bros. in 1916. If you send me photos of your rocker, I will check my Ford Johnson materials for information. erose@emrosebooks.com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

My Grandpa worked at S. Karpen Brothers from the 20's until they closed. My mom has a love seat and 3 chairs still with the original seats and horse hair. They were made around 1925. Are they worth any thing? My mom is downsizing and may be interested in selling.
Emily Rose: That is very interesting about your grandfather. I assume he was in the Chicago factory.
I would love to see any photos or know any information or memories anyone in the family still has. Please send me photos of the pieces and the tag and I will let you know about them. Please put Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

I purchased an armchair at a thrift store because I liked it, with the plan of stripping and re-upholstering it. As I looked over it closer, I found a label with S.KARPEN & BROS on it that looked like it might be something special. I searched the 'net' and found your site so I’m sending you photos of the chair and label: Pattern No: 8736 or 8236, in hopes that you could give me info on date/value and a suggestion on if I should use restraint in changing it?
Emily Rose [after seeing photos] I believe I found your chair in an October, 1925, S. Karpen & Bros. furniture brochure distributed by Duker Furniture Store in Quincy, Illinois. You can see that the Francis I reproduction had a matching rocker. I am not an antiques dealer so I do not comment regarding values.

We have a dining table with two leaves very ornate. The table is a pedestal type on four corners as well as two toward the middle for support when the leaves are in. I have five regular chairs and one captain’s type arm chair that match upholstered in a golden velour type fabric. Set is not in great condition just wondering if it has any value or not?
Emily Rose: Please send me photos of the table, chairs, and the tags and labels. S. Karpen Bros. made a few table and chair styles prior to 1916 but manufactured more styles after that. Please send me an e-mail with Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

I have a mustard yellow chaise lounge, type fainting couch. The story comes with. It was purchased from an auction out of a bank, where it’s believed to have been in use for the cusomers... How can I find out more about this, and what I can do to improve the upholstery without taking the value away from it? If it is in fact worth something?
Emily Rose: Please send me photos of the piece and the tag.erose@emrosebooks.com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

I bought a sectional from the thrift store. Very good condition. A rust color with a sofa bed. Tag inside says lifescapes by Karpen. for the drama of living.. can you tell me anything about it / paid $100.00 for the whole set.It is very long..thanks !
Emily Rose: This is the second one in a few weeks with that label. It probably dates from the late 1940s to 1952. You can send me a photo of it and the label. erose@emrosebooks. com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

i have a karpen sackbackwindsor armchair and i cant find anything on it...it has woven seat all in great condition looks like it wasnt used no frays at all for sitting...if you can help me in finding some history on it that would be great.
Emily Rose: Karpen made Windsor chairs for many years. If you send me your e-mail address, I will send you advertisements and catalogue pages about them.If you send me a photo of the chair and Karpen tag, I will date it. Please put Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

Bought a white silk loveseat by Karpen at Habitat Hand Me Ups. Wanting to know more about it. Very modern look - single bottom cushion, 3 loose upper pillows. Is this something I should just give away at the end of school term (it's in my dorm room); or would a Karpen aficianado love to get it?
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos] The pretty loveseat was made in the 1940s to before 1952 when Karpen Bros. was sold.

I have a small rocking chair with a metal tag stating "Karpen guarenteed furniture." There is a floral carving on the top of the back and open work below the carving. The seat is covered by needlepoint done on "Hiawatha Heirloom.." Can you date this piece? I know that the needlepoint was done by a relative, but not when or whom. Thank you so much, Bonnie
Emily Rose:[after seeing photos] Your chair dates from the 1930s. Some rocking chairs look like the designer placed a regular chair on rockers. The needlepoint it nice.

Hi, This evening, while driving, I saw on the roadside for trash pickup a nice windsor chair. The dowel/spreader is well-chewed by the family chair and one of the pieces on the back of the chair has been repairs (not terrible). Overall the chair is in nice condition but worn and with two pieces in need of regluing. The craftsmanship of this chair is exquisite. The metal tag reads Karpen Guaranteed Construction Chigato Michigan City-New York. Thank you! Karen, Bellport, LI, New York Can you tell me how old this is and if it has any value?
Emily Rose: Your windsor chair dates from 1916 to 1933. They were very popular in those years. If you send me your e-mail address, I will send you some ads and catalogue material.erose@emrosebooks.com. Please put Karpen in the subject line.

I have a Karpen sofa and side chair purchased new in the 1980's. They are in a flame stitch material. The tag on the sofa reads Karpen, a tradition in elegance since 1880. Are these pieces the same Karpen posted on this site? Thank you. Gail
Emily Rose: If you purchased them after 1952, they were made by Schnadig. Schnadig bought International that had previously bought Karpen. They kept the Karpen name since it had such a strong and wide reputation. So they are Karpen in name only.

Was thrilled to locate your site and blog. We have a lovely couch(?) three cushion with two small end cushions, wooden arms and legs and across back rail. unusal piece, was not familiar with Karpen. There is a small metal tag on the lower back side of couch. KARPEN Guaranteed Furniture New York Chigago is on the small oval metal tag. Wicker is visible on back and is underneath upholstered sides. Was this ever just wicker only, and upholstered later? Wood pretty good shape, most of finish gone from arms, dark on back pieces. Have photos will send. Would love to find date and learn how to find value now of piece needing refinishing and re-upholstering. Would be beautiful redone, but I don't have room for it in my house. Thank you very much for any in formation you can provide. Ann
Emily Rose: Thanks, it has been fun for me too. From the tag, your couch dates from about 1911 to 1916. I did not find anything that was similar in the 1911 and 1915 Karpen Catalogues I have, but these were not as complete as in earlier years. I did find similar pieces in some advertisements from 1915-1920. I think the back was originally cane like the sides. The style seems to be a mixture of Chippendale feet and perhaps a l’art nouveau carving.

Hi i just got a desk given to me it has eight drawers and in the middle drawer is a little metal tag that says karpen guaranteed furniture, i was wondering how old it is.
Emily Rose: [After seeing photos] That is certainly a sturdy desk. From the tag, it dates from after 1933 and probably before the 1940s. It could have been made in Karpen Bros. Los Angeles factory.I didn't find it any of the materials I have, but that is not surprising since they specialized in upholstered furniture.

I have a rush seat windsor style chair that I inhereted from my grandmother. It has a metal tag on the bottom that reads - Karpen Guaranteed construction furniture Chicago - Los Angeles - Michigan City - New York. Can you tell me the approx. age of this chair? Thank you
Emily Rose: Your chair dates from 1927 to 1933.They were very popular in those years.

I have a 3 piece set of heavily carved furniture with a metal tag that says Karpen guarenteed upholstered furniture. There is a couch, large chair and a slightly smaller chair. I would like to know when they were made and how much the pieces would be worth.
Emily Rose: Sorry for the delay in responding. Please send me photos of the pieces and the tag. Karpen made many styles of carved pieces. Please put Karpen in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com

I recently found what appears to be a dining room style chair with the karpen tag on the bottom. The chair looks quite old and is very ornate, just wondering if it's worth anything...
Emily Rose: Please send me photos of the chair and its tag and put Karpen in the subject line. Then I will check my materials. Recently 2 people have contacted me about ornate dining room chairs and they dated from the 1920s, but I would need to see the photos to let you know more. erose@emrosebooks.com

I have a Walnut Secretary desk, with a metal tag on the back saying Karpen Guaranteed Construction Furniture, Chicago, Los Angeles, Michigan City, New york. The top has 5 beveled edges. Below the last bevel, are 8 round knobs about the size of a nickel to quarter. Just below that is piece that has a round extended thing that looks like a door knob. This piece is about 3 feet wide and unlocks and pulls down to rest on a wooden ledge. on either side of the pulldown is a wooden piece that looks like one urn on top of an upside down urn. below the ledge the pulldown sits on, is another piece that looks like a rolling pin with a donut around the middle. The legs each have about 13 spindle aspects. People have told me it reminds tham of the Ark of the Covenant. There are two drawers inside and other spaces to put things in. The inner left has a metal piece to hold the pulldown piece to the deck. The key is at the top of the pulldown and raises a piece of metal into the desk to to lock it. the key looks old. Any clue as to age and approx value?
Emily Rose: Your desk dates from 1927 to 1933 and was probably made in Karpen Bros. Los Angeles factory. If you send me some photos I can check my catalogues.
erose@emrosebooks.com

I am trying to determine the age of 2 upholstered rocking chairs with the Karpen metal tag on the back. The rockers are a King and Queen set with claw feet, very heavy, 3" minimum wood thickness , and a kind of courderoy red velvety upholstry on the seats and backs. I don't know what type of wood they are made of. Please let me know if you have any ideas of their age and worth. Thanks.
Emily Rose:[After seeing the photos] Your rockers date from 1906 to 1916. In the 1908 and 1911 Karpen catalogues I found similar pieces. They look like the designer placed a colonial round-back chair on rockers. I see that quite often in those years.

In storage I have 3 Karpen Bros pieces...art nouveau side chair, arm chair and love seat with the American dancer, Loie Fuller, carved on the back of each. How many of these were produced and during what dates? Thanks for your response.
Emily Rose: If you have photos of the pieces and the tags I would love to see them. erose@emrosebooks.com and put Karpen in the subject line. These suites (and I own a gold leaf one) were made from 1900 to around 1913. They were quite expensive, but I have seen newspaper ads at lower prices. The gold leaf suites were more expensive than the mahogany suites. As to the number made, I don't know.

I HAVE A TUDOR STYLE SITTEE WITH HIS AND HERS SIDE CHAIRS. THE SEATING PART IS LEATHER. THE SITTEE HAS 3 OVAL SHAPE COVERED IN LEATHER FOR THE BACK WITH SPIRAL WOOD PIECE BETWEEN EACH OVAL. IT HAS A METAL TAG ON THE BACK OF THE SITTEE THAT STATES KARPEN UPHOLSTERY CHICAGO-NEW YORK. COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT WHAT YEAR THIS WAS MADE?
Emily Rose: [after seeing the photos] Your leather suite was manufactured by S. Karpen & Bros. around 1910. It was featured in an advertisement in Saturday Evening Post in 1911 and in a Karpen catalogue called The Book of Designs in 1915. It was described as a charming adaptation of English design. The chair with arms was for the men and the one without arms was for the women who wore full skirts.

Matching Karpen Windsor arm chair and rocker. The rocker has a metal tag attached "Karpen, Guaranteed, Furniture, Chicago- New York." in very good condition with a well done repair on the bow of the back, a pair of hidden screws where the back leg meets the rocker and one under arm rounded newel is missing. The arm chair has a similar metal tag "Karpen, Guaranteed, Construction, Furniture, Chicago, Michigan City. New York." and is missing the both under arm rounded newels of the chair.Thanks.
Emily Rose:[after seeing the photos]The black Windsor rocker dates from 1911 to 1916 and the Windsor armchair dates from 1916 to 1933. These pieces were featured in many advertisements. The rocker was not as common as the armchair.

Today we purchased an ornate, large sideboard from a local furn. consignment store. Inside the top drawer is a gold on dark blue metal badge that reads "KARPEN Guaranteed Construction FURNITURE Chicago - Los Angeles Michigan City - New York". Found your web site. We have not yet made any photos, but I will do so and send them to you soon. Would love to know what this style of furn. is called and when and where made. Looks great in our 1932 Spanish style house. Thank you for being online!
Emily Rose: It is my pleasure to answer these questions, and I love learning about Karpen pieces that people are finding. Your piece dates from 1927 to 1933. [After seeing photos]: I looked and looked but did not find anything that looks like it. I like the secret drawers on top. It could have been made in Karpen Bros. factory in Los Angeles. They bought that factory in 1927.

We have a complete bedroom furniture set from Karpen with a rose emblem on each 3 peices. Any idea how I can find out what this furniture is worth.
Emily Rose:please send me photos of the pieces and the metal tag and paper labels. I will then check my materials to give you more information. erose@emrosebooks.com.

I have a photo of a karpen loveseat and chair that my dad has picked up at an auction. It is a little worn, but I was wondering if you might be able to tell me the value of it. I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Emily Rose: [after seeing the photos] These pieces date from the 1930s. I love the curved lines and the comfy look. I wonder if the carved wood is a veneer to make it look like walnut.

Hi. I have a three cushion loveseat, with a modestly carved back top rail with the fabric tab "Guaranteed Construction Furniture, Chicago, Michigan City, New York." I'm considering having it re-upholstered, but worried this might affect its value (if it is valuable). Any thoughts about its date and value? Thank you, dac
Emily Rose: The piece dates from about 1916 to 1933. If you send me photos I can check my catalogues and advertisements. erose@emrosebooks.com.

I have four Karpen dining room chairs made of Mahagony with carved rose on the top on the chairs. I would like to know the time period of these chairs. Also I was thinging of having them refinished but I wasn't sure this would harm the value Thanks K Peters
Emily Rose:I would need to see photos of the chairs and the metal tag. Please send them to me at erose@emrosebooks.com

This is really neat. We just bought a pair of arts and crafts chairs at the Portland Antique show. The dealer, who was from Eugene, bought them in Nebraska. Both have original petina, walnut? darker stain. He recovered both the mission rocker which has a label on the back in metal near the bottom that reads "Karpen Guaranteed Appolstered Furniture New York-Chicago". He left the original stuffing inside though. The other chair is a stand alone but in the same beautiful original condition, except for the cover, but is a classic Stickley marketplace rival as well. Both chairs have the cool arts and crafts tennons that come up through the arm rest. The wear on the tennons on the rocker indicate a right handed person generally sat in this chair. How old are they?? Did we pay too much?? Darin and Julie in Portland, OR
Emily Rose: That sounds very exciting. Please send me photos of the pieces and the metal tag/s. I will then check in my catalogs and advertisements. It dates from about 1906 to 1916. erose@emrosebooks.com

Hello, I am trying to determine age/origin/value on the following set. There are three pieces, two seating areas and a center table. I included one side but the other is a mirror copy both pivot around the table. It does need some repairs to the upolstery and one leg of one of the seats. I would like to keep it but I may have to get rid of it and I would like to know more about it before I do. Your time and information is greatly appreciated. Thanks Brian Anderson
Emily Rose: [After seeing photos]By the paper label information, your pieces date from about 1951-1953. This was around the time Karpen was sold or even just after it was sold in 1952. Occasionally I see similar modern pieces by Karpen on eBay or other sales places. If the pieces were designed by a famous designer for Karpen that would increase their value. Unfortunately I just don't have that information. I would check what other modern pieces are going for. I don't think the name Karpen will increase the value of these (unlike earlier) pieces.

I have a couch and chair with a tag " S. Karpen & Brothers Inc. Incorporated Montoursville, Pa The furniture is rose colored and made of cotton felt, hourse mane and hog hair. It looks like a 1950's design with swirls though the custions on the seat and back of both both pieces. It is in perfect condition (was covered with plastic for many years). The back of the sofa is sightly rounded. I am just trying to find any additional information.
Emily Rose: That tag is interesting. I would appreciate it if you could send me a photo of it. I would like to see the piece too. It might be older than you think. erose@emrosebooks.com.

I only happened to have seen the tail-end of "The Antiques Road Show" last evening, and a fellow there has a chair from his livingroom set which very much resembled a set we just had restored. The assessor told him it was "Karpen," but he did not have his catalog with him. I, of course, spent the remainder of TODAY searching for "Carpin" (toss you crumpled scrap paper now, I deserve it). I'm just happy, and grateful to have discovered you at all. Any chance anyone can help me to identify whether or not these pieces were, indeed, crafted by these fellows? And if so, a timeperiod? (They were all but destroyed when we discovered them and needed saving from small children using them as trampolines). Thanks, in advance, for an guidence you can offer. Know it is much appreciated. Best regards, Zan Nordlund
Emily Rose: Antiques Roadshow- do you remember the city name and date of show? Please send me photos of the pieces. Is there a tag or label? Please send me photos of those too. erose@emrosebooks.com

I had just sent a e-mail about three windsor chairs and would love to know about them Enameled cane Karpen Guar. Chicago Mich. New York Excellent cond. Hand woven.
Emily Rose: I did not get it. Please send it again with Karpen furniture in the subject line. erose@emrosebooks.com.

Hello, I have cherrywood furniture--Cherry House by Karpen of CA. There are 2 buffets, 1 hutch top, 2 drop leaf dining room tables, 2 arm chairs, 6 side chairs, 1 corner table, and 2 host/hostess chairs. My parents bought the first pieces from Wilson & Jump in Chicago and filled in the rest from Esquire Home Furnishings in St. Louis, MO. This furniture was bought mostly in the 1950s and a few pieces in the early 1960s. How do I find a value for this furniture? I'd like to sell it. Thank you. Rosalie at racmail@mindspring.com. I have pictures if you need them.
Emily Rose: [After seeing the photos] Cherry House furniture was designed for the California casual life style. Advertisements for the pieces were published by retail stores in various newspapers. It seems to have been introduced in 1951.

Hello, I came across this piece of Karpen Furniture at an estate sale. What is it called and about when was it made? It measures 34" X 34" X 18" high and it is made from solid oak. Do the chaulk marks on the bottom mean anything? Click on these two links to view photos of it. http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c319/Floridalou/karpen2.jpg http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c319/Floridalou/karpen5.jpg Thank you for your time.
Emily Rose:[After seeing the photos]The side table dates from 1927 to the early 1930s. Karpen manufactured many side pieces in those years. The chaulk marks on the bottom were most likely design or finishing instructions.

I have a small couch that has a metal tag that reads "Karpen guaranteed upholstered furniture Chicago". It measures 4 feet long and 44" tall. The seat and back is upholstered. The legs, arms and around the back cushion is wood. There is a leaf motif carved on the two sides. I would appreciate info on this piece, such as age and worth. I also have the matching rocking chair and two straight back chairs. My Email is allanher@frontiernet.net Thank you. Mary
Emily Rose: [After receiving the photos]The pieces date from about 1900-1907. I found your suite in a 1907 Karpen catalogue. In the catalogue it is in the section of suites with mahogany finishes. In the caption, it reads that the pieces were northern birch with a mahogany finish. Karpen produced many styles in this lower price range.

Do you have any information on the Ford and Johnson Furniture Company which Karpen took over? My great-great-grandfather worked for Ford and Johnson in the 1890s. JaLeen Bultman-Deardurff.
Emily Rose: Karpen Bros. bought the old Ford and Johnson plant in Michigan City in 1916. I do have an article from an earlier period from a furniture trade journal. I would be happy to send you a copy if you send me your snail mail address. I would suggest you check the book, Chicago Furniture 1833-1993, by Sharon Darling.erose@emrosebooks.com.

Hi, I have a wicker couch with the original cushions. My parents found it in an farm house in the early 60's. Now passed on to me. Has both of the tags...curious if you know more about it. Annie
Emily Rose: Wicker couches were very popular. Karpen produced many styles from 1910 to 1930. The company's cushions were called Karpenesque construction. If you send me photos of the piece, cushions, and tag (with a written description of what the tag reads) I will look for the style in my catalogues and advertisements. erose@emrosebooks.com.

I have a chair I`ve that is heavily carved with a woman and at the end of the arms is a carving of a woman on one hand and a man on the other (they are wearing some type of helmut. The high back chairs seat is on the narrow side and it has "ball" feet. Also, on the underside it says KARPEN on a small metal tag..gaurentted consrtuction, chicago, mi. and n.y. It also has says no.3 in cursive? Do you know anything about this chair? I have pictures if needed. thanks!
Emily Rose: Based on the tag, it dates from 1916 to 1927. Please send me your photos and I will check my catalogues and advertisements. erose@emrosebooks.com.

I have a William and Mary chair with 2 metal tags on the back of the seat.The larger tag says Karpen Guaranteed Upholstered Furniture Chicago-New York. A small tag above says P.C. EXPO 1050. The original caning on the back has been damaged but the chair is in otherwise good condition. Do you have any information on this chair? K gray from MOntana
Emily Rose: I'd like to see the chair. Please e-mail me the photos of the piece and both tags. The first tag would mean it was manufactured from 1906 to 1916. The second tag could mean that it was made specifically for the Karpen Bros. Exhibition at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. If the tag read P.P. Expo that would be a clearer connection. It could have been P.C. for Panama Canal Expo. Karpen Bros. had a large exhibit at the Exposition and one of the Karpen brothers was the chairman of the Illinois State Committee.erose@emrosebooks.com

I found two Karpen Guaranteed Contruction chairs, brown with a rattan handwoven fiber seat with a metal plate listing Chicago-Michigan City-New York and paper labels with an order number that looks like 10-1-104 or something like that..... Curious as to date of origin and potential value. Thanks Steven saseelig@comcast.net
Emily Rose: I'd like to see photos of them so please send them to erose@emrosebooks.com. Based on the tag, they date from 1916-1926. I will check my catalogues after I see the photos.

I have a karpen windsor ladies what I think is a sewing rocker. metal tag on the bottom plus there is a paper partial, but written in 1800's scrip is this right. It's made out of mahogany with a rush seat. my email is lulu68@adelphia.net Thank you: Victor
Emily Rose: Victor, please send me some photos of the piece, tag, and paper. I think it is the type of windsor rocker that was very popular in the 1920s. After you send me the photos, I will send you catalogue and advertising pieces with other similar windsor rockers. The 1800s script was just stylized writing to give the old feeling. erose@emrosebooks.com

We have a three piece (rocking chair, chair, three cushion couch) with S. Karpen & Bros. on the metal label. The paper tag said Handwoven fiber and enameled cane. Finish roman gold black pattern # 3859 Ord. # 1-1814-263. What year might these have been made and what could be the value of these?
Emily Rose: Please send me photos of the pieces and the tags/labels. erose@emrosebooks.com. Let me know if you need my snail mail address. The set probably dates from 1917-1927.

I have a Karpen & Sons Table that I received when my grandmother passed away. It has the metal tag underneath the table. I'm not sure what this table is called. It is six feet long and two feet wide. It is painted green with layers of ornate painting. It has detailed carved legs and carved designs below the top of the table. It is solid mahagony. Can you give me any history on this table.
Emily Rose: Please send me some photos of the piece and tag. erose@emrosebooks.com or let me know if you need my snail mail address.I look forward to seeing it.

Is the Karpen Company still in operation; if not, when did it close? I have a beautiful Karpen sofa bed that is not antique - - purchased new only about 25 years ago - - and I am interested in finding a replacement or identifying comparable manufacturers and pricing their offerings.
Emily Rose: You may check with the Schnadig Furniture Company.

I have an old windsor chair with a metal plate on the bottom that reads: KARPEN Guaranteed Construction FURNITURE Chicago-Los Angeles-Michigan City-New York. It is in good condition. Can you give me any history and/or approximate value. Thank you very much.
Emily Rose: The Karpen windsor chairs were very common and sold well. Yours would date to around 1928.

Hi! I have a Karpen windsor rocker that is in need of repair. Before I spend the cash are they worth anything? It has a mental plate and a ripped paper that says 8642 then ripped. Thanks Bev
Emily Rose: Karpen windsor rockers were very popular in the 1920s. While I hestitate to give advice on values (since I am not an antiques dealer), in this case I can tell you that windsor rockers in good condition seem to be available so I would not invest in repairing one. Hope this helps.