Questions
Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can you tell if a chest is antique?
1 Answer
To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.
In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.
On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.
On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
Related Questions
- How can I tell how old my cedar chest is?1 Answer
- How can I tell if my bronze is antique?1 Answer
- How can I tell if a mirror is antique?1 Answer
- How can I tell if a spoon is antique?1 Answer
- How can I tell if a teacup is antique?1 Answer
Shop for Commodes and Chests of Drawers on 1stDibs
Late 20th-C. British Colonial Style Tall Chest By Ralph Lauren For Henredon
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome chest designed by Ralph Lauren for Henredon as part of their Safari Collection. It has dovetail construction and is marked. It also has wooden knobs.
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
$2,316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Japanese Antique Drawer Chest 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese drawer chest, crafted in the Meiji to Taishō period (1860s–1920s). It carries a quiet presence shaped by many decades of use. The piece is made from tradi...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Drawer Storage Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old black chest of drawers made in Japan during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s), a time when craftsmanship and material refinement reached an extraordinary level.
Expertly ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Lowboy Dresser
Located in Roanoke, VA
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Six spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful diamond pattern throughout. Would work in a variety...
Category
Late 20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese chest of drawers, handcrafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s).
It is a fine example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship from that era. The body is mad...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Antique French Chest of Drawers Commode Serpentine Carved Oak Louis XV c.1930s
Located in Tyler, TX
EXQUISITE Antique French Country Oak Louis XV Style Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers or Commode~~1930s
This is a SUPERB example of an antique French Country oak Louis XV style ches...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
