Biedermeier

A style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the first half of the 19th century. Inspired by French Empire and German painted peasant work. The name was borrowed from an imaginary cartoon character called Papa Biedermeier, an uneducated country gentlemen who considered himself a connoisseur of fine and industrial arts. Simple marquetry patterns were used with pressed brass ornaments of Greek inspiration as well as painted motifs of wreaths, urns, and floral, animal and human forms. Woods used were mainly fruitwoods, maple, mahogany and birch.

Finial

An ornamental, terminating piece that extends vertically from the apex of a design. In architecture, they are found at the tips of gables or spires, and in furniture, as top ornaments on cabinet corners, posts, or supports. Finial also refers to the decorative metal piece used to affix lampshades to table and floor lamps. They often take the shape of a ball, flame, flower, acorn, pineapple, or vase.

Pewter

Pewter is a tin based alloy that has been used for centuries. Pewter is dull gray in appearance and was originally used as a substitute for silver. Pewter was a popular material used to make tableware and ornaments.