Heywood-Wakefield Furniture: The Collector's Complete Guide
If you've ever spotted a piece of warm, blonde furniture with graceful rounded edges and wondered what it was, there's a good chance you were looking at Heywood-Wakefield. One of America's most beloved furniture brands, Heywood-Wakefield produced distinctive "modern" furniture throughout the 1930s–1950s that has become a cornerstone of MCM collecting. This guide covers everything you need to identify, date, value, and care for Heywood-Wakefield furniture.
The History of Heywood-Wakefield
The Heywood-Wakefield Company has roots stretching back to 1826, when Henry Heywood began making chairs in Gardner, Massachusetts. After a series of mergers, Heywood-Wakefield emerged as one of the largest furniture manufacturers in America, famous for wicker, rattan, school chairs, and railway seating.
The collector's golden era began in 1936, when designer Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky introduced the Streamline Modern furniture line — a bold departure from traditional dark-stained hardwoods. This new collection featured solid birch or maple in a warm natural blonde called "Wheat" (later also "Champagne" and "Amber"). The clean lines, rounded edges, and light finish aligned perfectly with postwar American optimism. The Modern line ran from 1936 to approximately 1966, with peak production in the late 1940s through late 1950s.
How to Identify Heywood-Wakefield
- The dogbone stamp: A burned-in bowtie-shaped mark on the back or underside reading "HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD CO." with "GARDNER MASS." This is the most reliable authentication mark.
- Paper labels: Some pieces have rectangular paper labels — original but fragile and often lost over decades.
- Model numbers: Many pieces are stamped with a model number (e.g., "M151G"). These identify the exact line and production years.
- Solid wood construction: H-W Modern pieces are solid birch or maple — never veneer. All surfaces including drawer sides and backs are solid wood.
- The Wheat finish: A warm, medium-blonde lacquer that deepens slightly with age.
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The Most Collectible Lines and Pieces
Streamline Modern (1936–1941) — The earliest, rarest pieces with the most dramatically rounded Art Deco curves. Designed by de Sakhnoffsky, highly sought-after.
Encore (1947–1966) — The most commonly found line. Bedroom sets, dining sets, and case pieces with characteristic bullet pulls and clean horizontal lines.
Kohinoor (1941–1966) — A slightly refined line with recessed hardware and subtle curves. More formal feel than Encore.
Contessa (1955–1966) — Later line with sculpted, carved drawer fronts.
The most valuable individual pieces: the iconic "bullet" or boomerang dresser ($600–$3,000+), dining buffets, surfboard coffee tables ($200–$800), "Wishing Well" end tables, and full matched bedroom suites ($1,500–$6,000+).
Original Finish vs. Refinished: Why It Matters
This is the single most important valuation factor. A piece in original Wheat or Champagne finish is worth dramatically more than one that has been painted, stained, or refinished. Many well-meaning owners painted H-W pieces white, gray, or dark stain — this reduces collector value by 30–70%. A skilled craftsperson can strip a non-original finish and re-lacquer in Wheat to restore, not alter, the piece (budget $300–$800 for a typical case piece).
To spot original finish: look for age-consistent wear, slight yellowing of the warm lacquer, and period-correct hardware patina. Touch nail-polish remover to a hidden spot — original lacquer shows minimal reaction compared to modern polyurethane.
Pricing Guide
Shop MCM Furniture at Mod City Mad
We occasionally source Heywood-Wakefield pieces along with a broad selection of mid-century modern furniture. All pieces are accurately described and available for nationwide shipping.