How to Identify Antique Furniture

Identify the wood used to make the furniture. For example, William Savery was a well-known Philadelphia furniture maker in the 18th century. He made cabinets and chairs primarily from walnut. Additionally, most remaining furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries is made of oak.

Note the thickness of the veneer. Veneers were about one-sixteenth of an inch thick until about the early 19th century. Around 1830, veneers were sliced about half as thick. Toward the end of the century, the use of machine-operated blades resulted in even thinner, smoother veneers.

Look for signs of age in the wood. Wood tends to shrink as it ages, and cracks can result from the shrinkage. Wood also develops a surface color over time known as its patina, which comes from the wood being handled and polished.

Examine the construction of the furniture. Wood drawers can be joined by dovetail construction in which wedges are fit into corresponding cut-out sections. Drawers constructed with four dovetails on each side can indicate the piece was made after the 1750s. Furniture made in the late 19th century can have drawers joined by as many as seven dovetails on each side.

Consider whether the piece's form corresponds with its purpose and the prevailing style of the period when it was presumably made. Study books about antiques and museum collections to familiarize yourself with furniture styles.

Understand that how a piece is upholstered is not necessarily a good indicator of its age. Original textiles often haven't survived intact, especially on early pieces of furniture. A reupholstered piece that maintains its patina and other characteristics may still be a valuable antique.