This is a record of 2500 cabinet-makers, upholsterers, carvers and gilders with their addresses and working dates illustrated by 165 reproductions of rare and little-known makers' trade-cards announcing their productions. These were used by the more reputable firms from about 1700 up till the early years of the 19th century. The book includes a chapter by R.W.Symonds, FSA on the problem of identification, illustrated by a number of outstanding pieces of furniture of the period, which have been authenticated by bills of account, marks and/or labels.