How to Identify a “Real Deal” Antique
Antiquing is such a cozy activity, and if you’re lucky you’ll find the perfect gem for your home. Check out these tips to identify if an antique is the “real deal.”
I don’t claim to be an expert on identifying antiques, but I am grateful to be learning from experienced professionals in my classes who really know their stuff.
So, how do we identify if something in the “real deal” or if it is simply a reproduction?
- A first tell-tale sign would be the smell. True antiques usually smell a bit musty from years of use or being stored. They won’t have a new wood smell fresh from the factory.
- The piece will also not be overly smooth to the touch. It should have some wear and tear, especially around the edges. An antique desk would be a bit more rounded on the edge where the person sat.
- Antique furniture would not have an man-made screws.
- Visually, the stain on a wood piece may look faded from being near the sun. If you look behind the piece, the stain may be more prominent because it was not in the sun. Some items of wooden furniture may also have darken stain, indicating that it may have been in a home with a wood burning fireplace or a person who smoked
- A tell-tale sign of a reproduction is the presence of plywood, which began to be used in the 1930s.
- If you are looking for a handmade piece, they are generally not uniform, and dove tail joints would also be uneven on handmade furniture.
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