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Discovering the Value of Antique and Vintage Furniture

What was old is new again as the antique-buying trend continues. Last year we discussed Cottagecore and Grandmillennial, two design concepts that were sweeping the nation. Both concepts include antiques and vintage items, adding depth and texture to homes as they remain beloved design themes, especially by younger people looking to connect with the past. Purchasing already made items that make a lower impact on the environment means that antique furniture is in high demand, as more people focus on sustainable living. Antique furniture also works with a variety of interior design styles, so here are some basic tips for picking quality pieces that will last for generations to come.

Antique vs. Vintage

Usually an item must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique. Something younger than that may still be collectible and valuable, but would be categorized as “vintage.” Understanding this distinction is very important because the age of an item is a major factor in determining its value. This will help you as you search through stores, art fairs, and flea markets—you might be able to score a great deal or keep yourself from getting taken advantage of.

The Value of Antiques

Knowing how to value a piece is an important step that will keep you from spending too much. Sellers can ask any price for an item, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth that price. Here are some of the factors can affect antique values:

RARITY: How many of these items are there? CONDITION: Is it in good condition, or does it have wear or damage? AGE: How old is this piece? QUALITY: Is it well-made, and does it feature the best materials? PROVENANCE: What do you know about this item’s history?

Once you know more about the antique, you can search the Internet and compare your piece to similar ones on eBay, Ruby Lane, Tias, or other online stores. This should give you a good idea of what your item is selling for in other areas of the country. You can also check online price guides to see if your particular item is listed.

Picking Quality Pieces

Now that you know a little more about the classification and value of antiques, how do you choose a great piece, especially when it comes to furniture? There are so many different eras, woods, and styles so really it comes down to what you love. From William and Mary (antique) to Midcentury modern (vintage) there’s something for everyone. Once you’ve decided on an era, here are a few tips on finding well made pieces.

Drawers

A telltale sign of great craftsmanship can be found in the drawers. Pull them out and look at how they were constructed—this will reveal if the piece was handmade. Look for dovetails joining the sides of the drawers together. Dovetails are locking joints which have been used for centuries thanks to their strength and longevity. This type of joint is constructed from triangular wedge-shaped channels cut into the edge of each side of the drawer box. Also known as an English dovetail, these joints are offset on adjoining sides of the drawer box so they interlock when put together to create a box. Take a look at the inside of the drawer front as well—there should be larger cut marks called kerf marks. These will show you where the cabinet maker was cutting out the dovetails in the drawer. These are the leftover marks from the saw the craftsman was using during the process and it’s a tell-tale sign that it was handmade.

Hardware

While you have the drawer out looking for dovetails, don’t forget to inspect the hardware too. Look at the back of the handle. On a quality piece, you should see a threaded post and a nut securing the brass to the drawer front. If you see what looks to be the top of a slotted or flathead screw, that is an indication that the hardware is newer and the piece might not be worth what the seller is asking.

Signatures, Labels, or Stamps

Always check the backs and undersides of drawers to potentially find pencil marks or chalk signatures that may indicate who made the piece and where it was produced. If the piece you’re interested in doesn’t have drawers, check the back or look under the item to see if something has been signed, labeled, or stamped on there. Keep in mind that signatures are rare on pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries but there should still be clues. From the late 19th century through the 1950s, factory-made furniture would have stamps or impressed/stenciled numbers which correspond to model numbers of designs that were factory-produced. This will help you do some internet research on the furniture to verify authenticity and pricing.

Look for Damage

Keep an eye out for repairs and replacements. A repair means the furniture has been fixed, and replacement means a newer piece that may or may not have been manufactured using the same materials and craftsmanship could be added to the furniture. If you are an avid collector, this could diminish the value of the furniture, but for normal home use, as long as the replacement has been done properly, isn’t immediately visible, and will hold up with time—it shouldn’t be a large deterrent.

Pieces are likely to be damaged on the part of the furniture that is subjected to the most wear. For example, we love to tip our chairs backwards, so did people in the past. Check the back of the chair, the upper portion called the crest, and the center supports, or splats, because those are most likely parts to have been repaired or replaced.

Heavy chests of drawers have often been pushed rather than lifted. Look at the feet or legs first on these pieces for damage and replacements. Many pieces will sport cracks, so make sure these aren’t in areas that weaken the integrity of the furniture. Most will be fine and are even expected due to the wood expanding and contracting over time with fluctuations in temperature. You should expect to see those in pieces from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. It’s common, and doesn’t necessarily detract from the value. We hope these tips help you as you hunt for the next treasure for your home!