Finding an old piece of furniture for a low price or inheriting one can make you feel as if you have found some hidden treasure. However, just because the furniture is old, it does not mean it is an antique worth thousands of dollars. There are a few key characterstics appraisers look for in order to value the piece as a high-priced collectible antique. Does this Spark an idea?
Estimate Age
Age is one of the most important factors that make a piece of furniture valuable as an antique. There are several ways you can estimate if the piece in question is old enough to be considered an antique. You can start by feeling around on the underside of the piece or over its back. If you feel any corners or edges that are sharp, this may be a sign that the piece was manufactured too recently to be considered an antique. Another sign of age is a curved pattern left in the wood from being cut with a circular saw. This usually indicates that the piece was manufactured after 1840. Screws in the furniture can also help determine, or at least estimate, when the piece was manufactured. Screws that are very old were generally handmade with irregular widths between the spirals, and the slots in the head may be off-center. Be aware that wood shrinks as it ages, sometimes up to 1/8 inch per foot, so when piece is very old its dimensions will not be uniform.
Determine Value
Just because the armoire may be considered an antique does not necessarily mean it is of collectible value. Much of an antique's worth is determined by its appearance. While it is relatively easy to see for yourself what the physical condition of the piece is, consult a professional antique appraiser for an opinion about rarity and provenance. There are certain characteristics an appraiser will look for, including carvings, hardware and other details. The value of a piece can change as demand for pieces from certain periods goes up or down.
Period Peices
Antique furniture can be categorized by the period or era in which is was manufactured, and there are specific characteristics that can help you determine which one your piece is from. After the approximate age of the armoire is determined, you should be able to assign it to a certain period. Pieces from the Roccoco Revival, from 1845 to 1865, are usually made of walnut, mahogany and rosewood. They usually have cabriole legs and feature naturalistic carvings. This style of furniture has been reproduced throughout the years, but the carvings in reproductions are much less intricate than in the original ones. Pieces from the Renaissance Revival, 1860 to 1880, feature turned and fluted legs, raised panels, heavily carved crests and cookie-cut corners. These pieces are usually made of mahogany, chestnut and rosewood. Turn-of-the-century pieces were made during the years between the Spanish-American War and World War I. They were usually made of oak cut by a process called quartering. These pieces often feature shaped drawers, curved legs, claw feet and swirly carvings.
Other Considerations
Keep in mind that additions or changes made to a piece throughout its life can have an effect on its value. Pay close attention to whether or not the hardware or upholstery has been replaced or the piece has been refinished.
Fakes
Also make sure the hardware is the same age as the peice itself. Sometimes people will try to make a new piece look old by putting antique hardware on it, but this does not make the piece an antique.
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