How to Determine the Age of Antique Furniture
- Look Past the Style of a Piece When you are trying to determine the age of piece you cannot just look at furniture style. ...
- Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs ...
- Check for Perfectly Matching Elements ...
- Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used ...
- Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric ...
- Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware ...
Full Answer
How to restore an antique furniture?
- Using an old toothbrush, scrub the Howard’s Pine-Ola Copper and Brass Polish into the handle or knob. (Or anything brass or copper)
- I like to scrub all of the pieces and then wiping off the polish the buff it until it shines.
- Clean with soap and water and dry thoroughly.
How old is furniture before it is considered "antique?
The common definition of antique is a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has an enhanced value because of its considerable age, but it varies depending on the item, its source, the year of its creation etc. The customary definition of antique requires that an item should be at least 100 years old and in original condition [citation needed].
How to tell between different styles of antique furniture?
signs of age will be evident on older furniture. Marks such as this separated seam can help you tell antique wood from new imitations. Here are a few ways to tell if it's a real antique: - Expect to find signs of age on an older piece, such as boards separating on the seam separation. A new piece will look flat and smooth on top.
How to identify Sheraton style antique furniture?
- Hepplewhite furniture is known for its graceful, delicate appearance. ...
- Pieces are embellished with small carvings or painted designs, along with intricate inlaid patterns and veneers, often in woods of contrasting colors (known as marquetry).
- Common decorative motifs include graceful swags, curling ribbons, feathers, Classical urns, and trees. ...
How do you tell the age of antique furniture?
How to Determine the Age of Antique FurnitureLook Past the Style of a Piece.Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs.Check for Perfectly Matching Elements.Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used.Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric.Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware.
How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?
Here's How To Find Out If Your Old furniture Is Vintage Or Financially ValuableTrace Back the Furniture's Owners. ... Determine the Age of Your Furniture. ... Consider the Rarity of Your Vintage Furniture. ... Check for Vintage Furniture Quality. ... Look for Vintage Furniture in Good Condition.More items...•
How do I find out what year my furniture was made?
Make sure to search for labels, stamps, or manufacturing tags that can tell when and where a piece was made. Furniture companies and makers often listed their names, locations, and year of production This information can be found on the inside of drawers, the backs of bureaus, and on the lower edges of pieces.
Is there an app that identifies antique furniture?
Find out how valuable your antiques are with ValueMyStuff. Find out how valuable your antiques are with ValueMyStuff.
How do I find out what my furniture is worth?
Here is some basic information you'll need:Find out the composition of the furniture. ... Make a note of any damage, including scratches, dents, chips, cracks, etc.Take clear, well-lit photographs from all angles.Search the piece for any labels or maker's marks.More items...•
What is the most sought after antique?
5 World's Most Valuable Antiques and Collectibles of All TimePinner Qing Dynasty Vase – $80.2 million. Source. ... Ru Guanyao Brush Washer Bowl – $37.68 million. Source. ... Record-Breaking Persian Rug – $33.76 million. ... Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester – $30.8 million. ... Patek Philippe Supercomplication Pocket Watch – $24 million.
What do numbers on antique furniture mean?
A number could indicate the style, the maker, or even a patent granted to the company. The furniture back. Some manufacturers used less expensive wood on the back of a bureau, and they placed the label there, where it wouldn't damage the finish.
How old is furniture with square nuts?
Well into the 1940's-50's. Square head nuts usually point to a vintage piece. You find something like a square nail and you know its even older.
What is difference between antique and vintage?
In short, an antique is 100 yearsor older, while vintage is younger,though typically still prior to 1999. It's a relatively simple distinction,but not necessarily as importantas you think it might be.
Can I take a picture of an item and find it online?
The Google Goggles app was an image recognition mobile app using visual search technology to identify objects through a mobile device's camera. Users take a photo of a physical object, and Google searches and retrieves information about the image.
Is there a website to identify antiques?
Kovel's. One of the most famous price guides and appraisal services, Kovel's can also help you identify your item. You'll find lots of photos and information about all kinds of antiques. Simply narrow down your search by category or brand and start browsing.
How do I find the value of antiques online for free?
Some popular websites for free appraisals include:AntiqForum. This website provides free price guides and appraisals on certain antiques. ... Christie's. ... Gannon's Antiques and Art. ... InstAppraisal. ... Mr. ... WorthPoint.
How do I look up furniture serial numbers?
0:411:39How to Look Up Vintage Furniture Using the Model Number - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt will usually be on the side of the drawer or even at the back of the drawer.MoreIt will usually be on the side of the drawer or even at the back of the drawer.
How do you date furniture with screws?
1:433:01Rediscovery Centre - Tips to Help Identify Antique Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd also the screws. These screws are useful. Because they can actually give me an indication aboutMoreAnd also the screws. These screws are useful. Because they can actually give me an indication about the age of the piece if for example you see one of these in a piece of furniture. This is a modern
How do I identify my couch?
Flip the sofa on its side and look for tags or stamps on the fabric or on the exposed areas of the frame. On newer pieces, the tag may be on or underneath removable cushions or the skirt of a couch.
How can you tell how old a chair is?
One of the greatest telltale signs of a chair's age include the markings or tags left by the manufacturer. Modern upholstered chairs may feature a tag listing both manufacturer and serial number or design name, which can be looked up on the manufacturer's website or on collector websites.
How to tell if antique furniture is old?
The video above provides a great introduction to dating antique furniture and what areas should be examined. Take note of the shape of the screws used to hold the furniture together. Are they tapered and pointed with smooth grooves, or are the ends cut and the slots offset? Any combination of these features can help place the age of the furniture. Nails are also a strong indicator of age, as cut nails weren't replaced in construction until the 1880s.
How to tell if nails are old?
Nails are also a strong indicator of age, as cut nails weren't replaced in construction until the 1880s. Examine any locks and look for file marks or any signs of irregularity, which would indicate something that was handmade and therefore probably older.
What is antique furniture?
Antique furniture often include locks and keyholes. You'll see these on antique desks and dressers in particular. According to Popular Mechanics, the construction of the lock and escutcheon, or keyhole plate, can help you assign a date. Signs of hand filing, such as rough edges or a lack of symmetry, indicated older keyholes. You can also use the following date clues.
What are some businesses that carry antique furniture?
These include architectural artifact companies, antique hardware shops, and some antique stores. The following are several of these suppliers that have a brick and mortar location as well as an online presence.
What was popular in the late 19th century?
Mid to late 19th century - Wood keyholes were popular during the era. You'll see them glued on to furniture or inset into the wood's surface. Late 19th century and after - Machine-stamped brass escutcheons became popular, and there were many ornate styles. Source.
When were nails made of iron?
Until 1885, nails were constructed from wrought iron. 1885 and later - In 1885, nails began to be made of steel instead of wrought iron. The steel construction quickly allowed nails to be drawn instead of stamped by a machine, and around 1890, this became standard practice. Source.
Where is Bob Roth's Antique Hardware located?
Located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Bob Roth's Antique Hardware has a large inventory of antique hardware for furniture, doors, windows and cabinets. Robinson's Antiques carries original antique hardware dating from 1680 to 1925. Mowery Antiques specializes in restored antique hardware for furniture and houses. Source.
When were hand forged nails invented?
Hand-forged nails usually date a piece of antique furniture to before 1790. 1790 to 1890 - During this period, machines stamped nails from sheets of iron using dies like cookie cutters. The top two edges of the nail are slightly rounded from the die going through, and the bottom two edges have little ridges or burrs.
When did furniture makers use machine screws?
Mid-19th century - During the middle of the 1800s, furniture makers often used machine-made screws, but they screws did not have a slot. The furniture maker had to cut the slot with a hacksaw, and it was often off center. In screws from this era, the rest of the screw is uniform, but the slots will vary in placement.
When were sliding drawer joints used?
Other drawer joints include sliding keyhole or French dovetails that were have been used since the 1890’s. Here is an oak cylinder roll desk from about 1895 with keyhole dovetailed drawers.
When did dovetails become popular?
These were cut with a jig or pattern, and an apprentice could create a very well fitting and attractive joint. Popular here into the 1890’s, these joints never gained acceptance outside of the U.S. and Canada. European cabinetmakers continued their hand-cut dovetails well into the 1900’s.
Who built the secretary desk?
This secretary desk from about 1780 was built by a good country carpenter, notice the dovetails on the side of the drawer, and holding the top and side planks together as well.
Where did the name "dovetail" come from?
The name “dovetail” comes from the appearance of the joint, resembling the triangle shape of a bird’s tail. The earliest examples are from furniture placed with mummies in Egypt thousands of years ago, and also in the burials of ancient Chinese emperors.
How to find the manufacturer of antiques?
Label/Stamp Research: Letters, numbers, words are indeed your best friend on antiques. Closely look for labels, tags, or stamps to find the manufacturer. Don’t forget to check aging signs to avoid fake serial numbers.
What to take notes of when painting?
Take notes of everything visible – dents, chips, scratches, or cracks.
What was the only clear finish before lacquer and varnish?
Surface Finish: Shellac was the only clear finish before lacquer & varnish in the mid-1800s. The touchup covers a wide range regarding the wood. However, testing the exterior isn’t exactly allowed in most showrooms.
Is furniture worthless?
On purchase, you ought to skip anything to go beyond your budget. Some furniture remains worthless, not even for any decorative purposes. Try to know such pieces to protect your investment from fraud.
Can furniture be matched with metal?
Complete Match: Many furniture integrates wood with metal for certain purposes. And it remains difficult to induce a perfect match. Scarcity of materials often ended up collaborating with mismatched pieces.
Is it a good idea to consult an expert on antique furniture?
But the facts may change depending on its existing condition, previous ownership & other essentials. Consulting a relevant expert always seems a good idea to catch necessary details on the research.
Can you refurbish an exterior?
Exterior Painting: Professional refurbishing hardly creates any identification problem. It’s always preferable to avoid anything to involve paints. However, some refurbishes can permanently plunge the value.
What period is antique furniture?
Most antique wooden furniture you will encounter, will either be from traditional English periods or American Colonial styles.
Why is antique furniture important?
Antique Furniture is one of the most fascinating sections of antique collecting. Primarily because so many of us naturally do what’s most important when collecting antique furniture. We buy what we like. Most antique furniture tends to be purchased by ordinary everyday people, rather than dedicated antique furniture collectors.
How to tell if an antique is machine cut?
If the piece has drawers, remove a drawer and look carefully where the front and back of the drawer are fastened to the sides of the drawer.
How to test a finish before buying?
Testing a finish isn’t always possible in a dealer’s showroom, but if you can manage it, identify the finish before you buy. Check the piece in an inconspicuous spot with denatured alcohol; if finish dissolves, it’s shellac. If the piece is painted, test it with ammonia; older pieces may be finished with milk paint, which can be removed only with ammonia. If the piece of furniture is dirty or encrusted with wax, clean it first with a mixture of denatured alcohol, white vinegar, and kerosene, in equal parts.
What is the finish on wood?
The finish on the wood can also date the piece. Until Victorian times, shellac was the only clear surface finish; lacquer and varnish were not developed until the mid-1800s. The finish on furniture, made before 1860, is usually shellac; if the piece is very old, it may be oil, wax, or milk paint.
What do antique hunters look for?
When trying to identify antique furniture, dedicated antique hunters search for beautifully preserved pieces, armed with pins, magnifying glasses, spirit levels and all sorts of testing equipment.
How to tell if a drawer is old?
Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.
How to determine furniture styles?
Furniture styles can be determined by careful study and remembering what design elements each one embraces. To help understand what defines each period, here are some of the major design elements for each period.
When was Hepplewhite furniture made?
The time frame is the same. Robert Adam is credited with creating the style known as Hepplewhite during the 1760s and leading the form. Another English book heavily influenced the designers of the day.
What was the most popular wood used in the Queen Anne period?
The most popular wood used in this period was mahogany, with walnut, maple and cherry also present. Legs become straight and regional differences still existed in design elements, such as feet. Claw and ball feet become even larger and more decorative. Pennsylvania cabinetmakers used Marlborough feet, while other regions favored ogee bracket feet. One of the most popular forms of this period was a card table that sported five legs instead of the four of Queen Anne designs.
When did Queen Anne's court evolve?
Evolution of this design style is from Queen Anne’s court, 1702 to 1714, and lasted until the Revolution. This style of furniture is much more delicate than its predecessor. It was one way for the young Colonists to show their own unique style, with each regional area initiating special design elements.
When was DCW chair made?
The Charles Eames designed DCW chair from 1946. The all-plywood chair is an exceptional example of Mid-Century Modern design. Image courtesy Indianapolis Museum of Art/Getty Images
Is every piece of furniture dated?
However, not every piece of furniture can be dated or definitely identified, so the generic term “Victorian” will apply to those pieces. Queen Victoria’s reign affected the design styles of furniture, clothing and all sorts of items used in daily living. Her love of ornate styles is well known.
How to find an antique appraiser?
There are several ways to find a certified antiques appraiser: Contact local antique dealers and auctioneers and ask them to recommend an accredited certified appraiser. Often antique appraisers are available or advertise their business, at antique events and shows. Attend these events when possible.
Do you list antique furniture separately?
If you own valuable antique furniture, you may want to list it separately for insurance purposes. Typically, the insurance value of an antique item is the highest retail value for that item.
