Experts in antiques agree that one of the most often asked questions is, “How can you tell if a piece of furniture is old?” Having a keen eye and good instincts is critical in making such determinations. But equally important is having a background knowledge of past furniture construction techniques and an understanding of how furniture tends to age. This will help you know what to look for and what questions to ask. Consider the following specific elements when examining a piece of furniture. These may help you judge if it is old and a possible antique.

Construction Tools & Materials

An understanding of tools used in making old pieces of furniture will aid in telling their age. Prior to the early part of the 19th century, planing or dressing wood was done by hand. When these signs are not evident, be suspect. Also, remember that after 1850 few hand planes were in use. It is important to know about the circular saw tool introduced into general use after 1840. If one sees circular saw marks on a piece, which is said to be from the 18th century, be wary. Being able to date when particular tools were used aids one in knowing more about antique furniture.

It is also important to have some basic facts about nails and screws. Hand wrought nails were in use until almost the turn of the 19th century. After this time, cut nails made by machine were introduced. Screws can also be a clue in approximating the age of antiques. Handmade screws, uneven and irregular in shape, were in use, albeit scarcer than nails, until the early part of the 19th century. In addition, hardware such as brass or iron handles and decorative elements such as glass inserts or ormolu mounts also indicate age.

Signs of Wear

In determining if a piece is old, it is important to look for wear from use. For example, do the chair's rungs show signs of being used as a footrest? Is the area surrounding the handles or hardware on the chest of drawers worn from fingers opening the drawers? Styles of construction such as beaded molding on drawer fronts and dovetailing used to construct drawers are age indicators. Also, noting any incongruities in style will help to date a piece.

Worms or other vermin holes may signal age for some antique pieces. One must be suspect, however, of holes that are too precise or too regular. Remember that one of the single most endearing qualities of an antique is its individualistic style. If it is too even, too clean or too perfect, it has probably lost its age clues and probably its character as well.

Painted surfaces can be further factors suggesting age. Of course, no acrylic or oil-based paints were used on early American furniture. There should be some markings on old paint indicating a sense of normal wear through time and use. Often, a topcoat of varnish was applied to protect the thin milk paint and the wood. Even through this varnish, there should be signs of aging on the paint such as nicks, scrapes or scratches. In addition, there may also be what is called a crazing, crackling or cracking of the finish indicating that the wood under the paint has shrunk.

If any or all of these characteristics are evident on the piece in question, then you probably have a piece said to be “of the period,” meaning that the antique was made when it was purported to have been made and that it is authentic. If not, buyer beware.