French provincial carved armoire. 18th century. Sold at Skinner auction for $2,415.
Skinner Galleries photo

Never mind that it has been copied and heavily reproduced since first being made for newly wealthy French merchants and peasants in the early 18th century. French provincial furniture continues to enjoy non-stop popularity.

Depending where you buy it you can pay a little or a lot. For instance, at a Skinner auction an 18th-century carved pine armoire sold under estimate for $2,415. A dealer or a decorator would probably tag it for $6,000 or more.

The term "French provincial" refers to pieces made in the French provinces, such as Brittany, Burgundy and Gascony, and was designed for everyday use, unlike the pieces made in cities for royalty and the wealthy. The average provincial family used only the most essential pieces such as a cupboard or hutch, closed bed and straw-bottomed stools and chairs. Extra pieces would be cabinets, several types of buffets and an armoire (wardrobe) for storage.

The wealthier provinces, like Burgundy and Gascony, adapted the styles of Louis XIV and XV. In many of the provinces the Louis XV style was made until the end of the 19th century. The Empire style was never used in the provinces.

CLUES: While prices for pieces sold by dealers and decorators are higher, keep in mind you are paying for their knowledge. In the end it could save you from buying a copy or a reproduction. If you like the look it can be recognized by its cabriole leg and the carving -- usually simple scallops. Other motifs could be shells and flowers, relating to the talents of the carver. Depending on the region it could be painted in a variety of colors and decorated with scenes as well as floral motifs. Plain wood pieces were the most common.

If you can recognize the various wood grains and colors you can identify the region where it was made. For instance, oak was used in Normandy, walnut and fruitwoods in Lorraine, and walnut in Savoie. Sometimes imported tropical woods were used in the Saintonge region.

Influences of earlier heritages show up in different regions. For instance, Alsace can be recognized by Germanic or Swiss traces in painting. Normandy often shows Viking touches.

Even the types of hardware reflected the regions. Provence and Limousin used steel mounts as handles and hinges. Normandy had brass fittings. In Lorraine polished steel was often part of the trim.

From the 19th century forward the most popular and reproduced pieces are chests, sideboards and armoires. In fact, beginning in the 1960s the French provincial look became trendy. Armoires were mass-produced by American furniture makers. In quality and price they ranged from top of the line to budget-priced - in both painted and plain finishes. Many come to market and are sold to beginning collectors. The branded labels or tags have been removed and they are battle-scarred.

If you are serious about buying an authentic piece, familiarize yourself with early construction techniques. New wood smells fresh. Take a deep sniff before spending too much. Open drawers and doors. Today's skilled carvers and cabinetmakers have made the more expensive armoire reproductions in the old ways. Hopefully, if you buy from a dealer or decorator, you will get a letter of authenticity, or money back.