Many people unknowingly own or purchase valuable pieces of antique furniture. It is helpful for those who frequently attend garage sales to learn how to recognize an antique piece. Although dealers and serious collectors are best able to distinguish a genuine piece of furniture from a replica, a few small bits of knowledge can go a long way.
Handypersons often like to purchase old pieces of furniture for refinishing purposes. Since most antiques are best left in their original state, many experts recommend finding out the value of a particular piece before engaging in any modifications. It is better to spend a few dollars on an expert opinion than to destroy a piece of furniture that could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
English and American Colonial designs are common, but because these styles embrace a broad range of details, it can be hard to delineate. Regardless of the style, there are ways to tell if a piece is antique. Furniture components were not machine-cut until about 1860, so examining the drawers can provide tell-tale signs. If the drawer was constructed using handmade dovetails, it was produced prior to that time. Older pieces also required the use of hand tools, such […]

Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles

Bookmark to: