About Us

Thomas Schwenke, Inc. is a specialist firm dealing primarily in authentic original furniture of the American Federal period. The Thomas Schwenke, Inc. inventory features an array of Federal furnishings, including dining tables and chairs, sideboards, desks, easy chairs, sofas, tables, dressing tables, and mirrors. All items are backed by our written guarantee of authenticity and over 35 years of experience in the field.

Historical Significance
American Federal furniture reflects the economic, political, and social development of the New Republic from 1785 to 1820. As the country prospered, its citizens built larger homes and turned to the finest cabinetmakers to furnish them. Based on the classic designs that inspired such great English architects and designers as George Shearer, Robert Adam, Thomas Sheraton, and George Hepplewhite, American Federal furniture is characterized by its refined formality; a distinctive sense of proportion, scale and line; and highly figured veneers, inlays and subtle carving. Lighter and more elegant than Colonial furniture, Federal pieces are prized for their historical significance and their utility in the contemporary home.

Firms Founder
Thomas G. Schwenke, the firm's founder, has been an established antiques dealer since 1970. He is a nationally recognized expert, and is one of America's foremost authorities on Federal period furniture. He is a former member of the National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America, Inc., and a current member of the Antique Dealers Association and the Antiques Council. He is a frequent lecturer and exhibitor in the country's most important antique shows.

Landmark Exhibition
In 1988, Mr. Schwenke organized and sponsored the Bicentennial Exhibition of American Federal Furniture at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Officially recognized by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, this landmark exhibition featured over 100 historically significant pieces from various private collections, and such major institutions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Historic Hudson Valley, The Abigail Adams Smith Museum, The Wadsworth Atheneum, The Girard Collection, and the United States Department of State.

Location
Thomas Schwenke, Inc. is located in Woodbury, Connecticut - the "Antiques Capital of Connecticut" - at 50 Main Street North