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How to Determine the Age of Vintage Furniture

The label ̶0;vintage furniture̶1; encompasses items created within the last 20 to 100 years. Eventually, vintage becomes antique, which makes it a more economical way to collect items with long-term value potential. Knowing the age of a piece of furniture is what determines its vintage status. The amateur can learn how to determine the age of vintage furniture by spending time learning about the history of a specific era and style of furniture. Educating oneself can begin with a desire to learn about a favorite piece.

Things You'll Need

Notebook and pencil
Camera
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the furniture for any maker's mark or manufacturing information. Identify the materials used, the manufacturing or construction process employed and the overall condition of the furniture. Make note of this information.
- 2
  Identify the details of the furniture by noting the style of the hardware, legs, arms and fabrics and any motifs used. Measure the furniture's height, length, diameter and depth where appropriate.
- 3
  Photograph the furniture from several different angles and include photos of the details. Print the photos for easy carrying and handling.
- 4
  Armed with the information gathered in Steps 1 through 3, begin to investigate what era and place the piece was created in. Look for pieces that are similar or exact in build, size, color and style by visiting vintage dealers and appraisers.
- 5
  Visit bookstores, libraries and online to review encyclopedias and books on the general era the furniture appears to be from. Use the clues gathered about the furniture's details, design and its construction to search for furniture that has been dated.

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