John Henry Belter

Place: Hilter Near Osnabrück

Born: 1804

Death: 1863

Biography:

John Henry Belter was an American cabinetmaker active in New York City. Belter was born in Hilter near Osnabrück, Germany and was trained as a cabinetmaker's apprentice in Württemberg, specializing in German rococo carving. He moved to New York in 1833, becoming an American citizen in 1839. His shop 'J.H. Belter and Co.' was located during the years 1846-1852 at nr. 372 Broadway. He is known for developing a technique for processing laminated rosewood in many layers to achieve thin panels that, once shaped in molds through steam heating, were finely carved. This style which became very popular in NYC, was widely copied by his competitors in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Belter died in New York City and his business was carried on by his brothers-in-law, the Springmyers.