The Value of Antique Furniture

Are you interested in old furniture, but just do not know how to identify whether an item is an antique?  This is a common issue for many who are just starting down the path of antiquing.  Looking for old furniture can be a captivating hobby; however, there are many pieces of beautiful old furniture that may not be as valuable as others.  Therefore, learning how to identify and determine antique furniture values are skills you will want to gain.

Tips for Identifying Antique Furniture

Did you know that you can train your eyes and mind to identify if an item is real or not?  You are not born with this gift, it is a skill you can train yourself.  Here are some ways to train your eye and mind for identifying antique furniture:

  • Visit a Museum – A museum will display items that are authentic.  Examine these items.  Pay attention to the time period and name of the furniture.  You will need to associate it with the qualities of the furniture you are about to examine.
  • Age can be Determined by Shrinkage – Wood is 80 to 90 percent water; therefore, furniture that is old will shrink.  The inlays will show shrinkage, and the drawers may not fit perfectly.  If the table is perfectly round, it may not be as old as it is being portrayed.
  • Signs of Dirt and Wax Build-up – You can determine if a piece of furniture is truly old if there is old dirt and wax built up in the crevices and cracks of an item.  Of course, even an antique will look beautiful and clean, but dirt in the crevices and cracks are good indicators as to whether a piece of furniture is old or not.
  • Check the Screws – Screws used in the early days are one-half inch shorter than today’s screws.  They also have flat heads and flat tips, as well as unseen threads.  They are also hard to turn and are likely rusted in place.  The slot in the screw head will not be perfectly cut, as they were hand-cut and rarely in the center.  If the screw is perfectly centered and cut, beware of the item.
  • Inspect the Paint – Old paint is harder than new paint.  New paint can dent.  If you are able to dent the paint, then the item has either been restored or is not an authentic piece of furniture.

Remember, it takes a lot of practice and research to learn how to identify antique furniture.  It will also take a lot of patience.

Tips for Determining Antique Furniture Values

Once you have determined if a piece of furniture is antique, then you will want to make sure if it can possibly reach its potential value.  Many different indicators will determine the value of an antique.  Just because a piece of furniture is antique, does not mean it has a high value.  Here are some tips to help you determine if you can get the highest potential value for the piece of furniture you are considering:

  • Check the Condition of an Item – Make sure you are looking at the furniture in good light.  Antique furniture values are determined not only by the age of an item, but also by the condition of an item.  Look at the item inside and out.  Remove all drawers and drawer runners.
  • Ask the Owner to Point out Repairs – Repairs or remodeling can greatly decrease the value of an antique.
  • Check the Feet – If casters have been removed or the legs have been cut down to accommodate a person’s lifestyle, this will reduce the value of the antique tremendously.
  • Check the Finish – The finish of an old piece of furniture will not be the same inside as it is on the outside.  An old piece of furniture will show signs of wear.  If the finish is identical, it has likely been refinished.  This will affect antique furniture values.
  • Check for Holes – If the furniture has holes, it is likely that a piece has been replaced.  Remember, you want a piece of furniture that is truly old and not restored.
  • Ensure the Furniture has not been Repainted – Pieces that are stripped and repainted lose value.  Even if the furniture is chipping, their value is higher than when they are restored.

These are just a few ideas on how to determine antique furniture values.  The more research you do, the better the chances are that you will receive the maximum value possible.  This knowledge will ensure many years of successful antiquing.