If antiquing is something you enjoy, you have a lot of company. Yard sales and flea markets always draw big crowds. You never know when you are going to find something rare and under priced in the midst of cheap reproductions. If modern decor doesn't interest you and old tables and chairs do, experts have some tips for evaluating country and town house antique furniture Kensington shops have for sale.
One sure way to determine the general age of a piece is to look at the way it's made. You will be looking specifically for dovetails. These will indicate that the piece was handmade. The size of the dovetails makes a difference. If you see big dovetails, you are probably looking at something that was created by country craftsmen. Smaller dovetails indicate higher quality and the presence of a highly skilled craftsman. Nails and glue mean the piece is factory made.
If you were looking at a painting, you would probably see a signature. This is less true of furniture, but it is possible to find some sort of signature, stamp or label that can give you more information. Experts say the best place to look for an identifying mark is on the back or bottom of a drawer or on the backs and bottoms of the pieces if there are no drawers.
You should certainly inspect any piece you are interested in for damage. The areas on a chair or dresser that get the most wear are where you are likely to see repairs or replacements. You should check the backs of wood chairs to see if the center supports have been replaced. On dressers, the feet tend to wear out first.
You should be less concerned about cracks. Old wood has had time to expand and contract. That's what causes the cracks and why experts say they usually don't negatively affect the value.
Experts have different opinions when it comes to the subject of refinishing. If you want pieces that are completely authentic, you won't be buying tables or chairs that have been refinished. Original wood on old furniture is generally purplish or black in color. The varnish is often crackled because it's been exposed to heat over time.
There are others who argue that the discoloration and crackling are not what the craftsman intended for his pieces. They would have been shiny when new. The discolorations disguise the beauty of the wood according to this school of thought. Before you refinish any old piece, you have to decide if reducing the value of the piece matters to you. Once a piece is refinished, it may not be as valuable, and it can't be restored.
Not everyone lives in an area where there are large selections of antiques to choose from. The experts say that buying online opens up a whole new world for these folks. There are established auction houses that allow online bidding in addition to inhouse bidding. If you choose to go this route, it's important to know that the seller and the auctioneer are trustworthy and knowledgeable.
One sure way to determine the general age of a piece is to look at the way it's made. You will be looking specifically for dovetails. These will indicate that the piece was handmade. The size of the dovetails makes a difference. If you see big dovetails, you are probably looking at something that was created by country craftsmen. Smaller dovetails indicate higher quality and the presence of a highly skilled craftsman. Nails and glue mean the piece is factory made.
If you were looking at a painting, you would probably see a signature. This is less true of furniture, but it is possible to find some sort of signature, stamp or label that can give you more information. Experts say the best place to look for an identifying mark is on the back or bottom of a drawer or on the backs and bottoms of the pieces if there are no drawers.
You should certainly inspect any piece you are interested in for damage. The areas on a chair or dresser that get the most wear are where you are likely to see repairs or replacements. You should check the backs of wood chairs to see if the center supports have been replaced. On dressers, the feet tend to wear out first.
You should be less concerned about cracks. Old wood has had time to expand and contract. That's what causes the cracks and why experts say they usually don't negatively affect the value.
Experts have different opinions when it comes to the subject of refinishing. If you want pieces that are completely authentic, you won't be buying tables or chairs that have been refinished. Original wood on old furniture is generally purplish or black in color. The varnish is often crackled because it's been exposed to heat over time.
There are others who argue that the discoloration and crackling are not what the craftsman intended for his pieces. They would have been shiny when new. The discolorations disguise the beauty of the wood according to this school of thought. Before you refinish any old piece, you have to decide if reducing the value of the piece matters to you. Once a piece is refinished, it may not be as valuable, and it can't be restored.
Not everyone lives in an area where there are large selections of antiques to choose from. The experts say that buying online opens up a whole new world for these folks. There are established auction houses that allow online bidding in addition to inhouse bidding. If you choose to go this route, it's important to know that the seller and the auctioneer are trustworthy and knowledgeable.
About the Author:
When you are are looking for information about country and town house antique furniture Kensington residents can come to our website online today. More details are available at http://www.philipburkeantiques.net/about now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment