Allen & Bro., Cabinetmakers, 1847-1902
In 1847, brothers William Allen, Jr., and Joseph Allen took over their father’s business as a purveyor of exotic woods and furniture. William Sr. founded his firm in 1835 and located it at 1209 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1847 the firm had moved to 137 Walnut Street and included sons William and Joseph. In 1869 Joseph partnered with another Allen brother, James, and solidified a reputation for fine goods and custom cabinetwork. In time Allen & Bro. became one of Philadelphia’s largest makers of Victorian furniture. The family managed the business until 1902 when James Allen closed the firm.
For additional information, see:
American Cabinetmakers: Marked American Furniture, 1640-1940 by William C. Ketchum;
Talbot, “Allen and Brother, Philadelphia Furniture Makers,” The Magazine Antiques, (May, 1996) pages 716, 720-722;
Dubrow. American Furniture of the 19th Century, page 13.
Reference note by p4A editorial staff; updated 2010.