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ARDEN FOREST - Vintage Tooled Leather Clutch - Whip-stitched Edge - Circa 1930 s
Located in Chatham, ON
ARDEN FOREST - Vintage embossed leather clutch - handle to the back - whip-stitched flap with press-stud closure - embossed on the front flap with a grape vine pattern - full width o...
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Early 17th Century Italian Coffre Fort
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 17th century Trunk - Coffre Fort from the Lombardy region of Italy. Beautifully constructed from walnut with wonderful iron hardware. Exceptional patina.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

German Biedermeier Inlaid Walnut Trunk
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 19th century German Biedermeier inlaid walnut trunk. Circa 1850. Adds warmth and charm to any room!
Category

19th Century Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

American Leather Document Box, Circa 1830s, Samuel Francis Smith
Located in Hudson, NY
This historically important, American leather clad document box, was made in Boston in the early nineteenth century. The box belonged to, Samuel Francis Smith (October 21, 1808 – Nov...
Category

1830s American American Classical Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Pine, Linen

Liberty and Co. A small trunk with copper panels in the style of C R Mackintosh.
By Liberty Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co, in the Glasgow Style. A small trunk or toybox with floral copper panels to the front and sides that are in the style of C R Mackintosh.
Category

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Mahogany

Walnut Trunk from the 17th Century
Located in Cesena, FC
Walnut Trunk from the 17th Century 17th century walnut case A walnut chest, dating back to the 17th century, is an authentic chest that has spanned the centuries, carrying with it t...
Category

Late 17th Century Italian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Anglo Indian Lacquer Trunk On Stand
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century decorative lacquer trunk on stand, these where made in the Bareilly region and produced to export to Europe. this example is decorated with pagodas and trees, a...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Lacquer

ANTiQUE BROWN LEATHER INNOVATION COMPANY WARDROBE STEAMER TRUNK COFFEE TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative brown leather and steel wardrobe steamer trunk made by Innovation with original inter...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Steel

French Wooden Steam Trunk with Runners, Brass, Iron, Leather Details, circa 1880
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French wooden steam trunk from the late nineteenth century features locks stamped Depose, or trademarked. Its wooden runners with brass rivets and brass corners offered protecti...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Antique Victorian Oak Banded Embossed Leather Dome Top Steamer Trunk Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
A large and impressive Victorian era dome top steamer trunk, circa 1870s. Features a tooled leather frame wrapped in black metal with oak banding and gold medallions. Opens to two ...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

French Early 18th Century Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This magnificent trunk is rich on carvings and Iron, it has as well its original iron bar to lock it. Just beautiful
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

18th Century Spanish Iron-Clad Strong Box in Working Condition with Original Key
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish strong box from the 18th century. This antique safe from is constructed or iron clad wood, and is handsomely adorn in domed iron nailhead trim throughout it's top, front, a...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Antique Louis Vuitton Monogram Cube Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare antique French early 20th century Louis Vuitton monogrammed luggage cube trunk. Features previous owners initials along with blue and white stripes. Authentic Louis Vuitton labe...
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

1920s Leather Suitcase Bank with Original Wax Seals and Bronze Closures
Located in Marbella, ES
1920s Leather Suitcase Bank with Original Wax Seals and Bronze Closures
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Brass Clad Wooden Band Train Trunk Storage Treasure Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Brass Clad Wooden Band Train Trunk Storage Treasure Chest. Circa 1900. Measurements: 18.5" H x 35" W x 21" D
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Antique Wood and Cane Hamper Storage
Located in Hudson, NY
Designed for practical use, this antique wood and cane hamper is as functional today as it was when first made. The hamper is in very good condition given its age (1890s) and the ori...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Cane, Wood

19th Century Victorian Dressing Case By W Insall Sons, c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An antique 19th Century victorian dressing case in English bridle leather by W Insall of Birmingham. This piece is lined in green baize with original straps and fittings. W. Insall o...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

French Wooden Steam Trunk with Runners, Brass, Iron, Leather Details, circa 1880
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French wooden steam trunk from the late nineteenth century features locks stamped by the maker D. Jne, Brevete S.G.D.G. Its wooden runners with brass rivets and brass corners of...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Cabinet Maker s Chest, English, Tool Trunk, Fitted Interior, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique master cabinet maker's chest. An English, heavy tool trunk with mahogany and walnut interior, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Wonderful master c...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut, Pine

19th Century Rattan Leather Covered Steamer Carriage Trunk by Mendel
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare late 19th century large American leather covered rattan basket steamer trunk manufactured by Mendel. The trunk features a rattan frame covered with leather and naugahyde having ...
Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

HERMES Hunting case C.1930s
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful and rarely EVER SEEN HERMES saddle leather shotgun shell case, with all it's original travel label’s and name circa 1930’s. Along the front edge center stamped "HERMES ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Fitted Steamer Trunk Cabin Wardrobe
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fitted Steamer Trunk Cabin Wardrobe, A Superb piece of history dating back to the time when your luggage would be taken to your cabin. This is a small overnight version, it is in...
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Canvas

17th Century French Coffer, Oak Silver Treasure Chest, Strong Box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
17th Century French Coffer, Oak Silver Treasure Chest, Strong Box A Very Rare piece, this Oak Coffer was made in the 16th Century in 3” thick Oak, lined inside and strengthened thro...
Category

17th Century Elizabethan Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Fitted Steamer Trunk or Cabin Wardrobe, by Excelsior USA A Superb piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fitted Steamer Trunk or Cabin Wardrobe, by Excelsior USA A Superb piece of history dating back to the time when your luggage would be taken to your cabin. This one is canvas and me...
Category

Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Canvas

Antique English Military Metal Trunk on Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique English military metal trunk with brass latch on custom iron base. Trunk shows evidence of daily, loss of paint, adds to the overall authenticity of the trunk.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

1900 s English Leather Trunk on Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1900’s English leather box or trunk mounted on a custom mahogany frame to make a beautiful side table. Box opens to reveal plenty of room for storage. Wear to leather. Leather has s...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Chinese Red Leather Trunk on Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Chinese red lacquered leather trunk mounted on a custom iron base. Trunk show evidence of were and there is color loss.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Leather Luggage with Nickel Details
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Vintage Luggage Travel Bag in Brown Leather with Nickel Details. Early 19th Century Europe. A sleek and elegant vintage luggage bag in beautiful brown leather. Complete with nick...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Nickel

Imposing 17th Century Portuguese Colonial Mahogany and Brass Chest
Located in Benington, Herts
An imposing 17th century mahogany Portuguese colonial trunk / chest, of grand proportions, decorated with pierced brass panels. Probably Brazil, circa 1670. This rare chest...
Category

Late 17th Century Brazilian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Original Painted Flat Top Trunk With Flowers, Austria dated 1804
Located in Round Top, TX
The paint is all original on this delightful flat top trunk from Austria. The flowers in vases are depicted in the front panels, which was a popular folk art design throughout the 18...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, c. 1870 s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with its original interior sticker showcasing its provenance and serial number. Adorned with sleek black metal trim and hardware which includes "LV"...
Category

1870s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Ming Style Lined Small Chest or Trunk
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Chinese red lacquered Ming style lined small chest or trunk, circa 1920. This handsome chest features unique oversized brass hardware, a fabric lined interior and two side h...
Category

1920s Chinese Ming Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Brown Leather Trunk with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red leather bound trunk from the 19th century, with brass accents and nail heads. Imbued with a sense of antiquity, this 19th-century Chinese Qing Dynas...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Korean Red Black Lacquer Wedding Chest, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finis...
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique Overland Trunk Wardrobe Fitted Steamer Trunk Luggage Closet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Overland Trunk Wardrobe Fitted Steamer Trunk Luggage Closet. item features W.E." monogram, fitted interior, clothing hangers, leather wrapped handles, original label, no key,...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Antique Oak Storage Box
Located in Hudson, NY
The antique oak storage box, shown here, is as decorative as it is practical. Made in the 1840s-1850s, the box is solidly crafted of oak and fitted with brass corner braces and corn...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Korean Wedding Chest, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finis...
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Edwardian Leather Hat Box By Herbert Johnson Of London
Located in Essex, MA
Brown leather box with a beaver top hat . Red leather interior. From a Hamilton Massachusetts estate.
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Early 20th c. Distressed Metal Chest c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An antique distressed metal chest with cast iron handles and wooden straps. Original metal label inside. CREATOR W.C. Kerch, Cleveland. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930-194...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Iron

Chinese Red and Gold Shrine Chest, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Coat upon coat of red, black and yellow lacquer was hand-applied to this 19th-century footed trunk likely originated as a display stand and storage chest in an elaborate shrine displ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Early Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk, C. 1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Early Louis Vuitton trunk, c. 1910, with LV insignia pattern having one interior tray, Monogram travel labels, Interior label, Rue Scribe Paris/Lille/149 New Bond St. London stamped ...
Category

1910s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

FULLY RESTORED 1920 LOUIS VUITTON FRANCE WARDROBE STEAMER TRUNK STENCiL MONOGRAM
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
absolute genius, he specialises in these types of trunks and its easy to see why he is so renowned. This
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

French 16th Century Coffre, Trunk
Located in Round Top, TX
A stunning early 16th century Coffre - Trunk from the Bourgogne region of France. Beautifully constructed from very handsome walnut with lovely linen fold detailing, a beautiful lock...
Category

16th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN LEATHER ELM CANVAS STEAMER TRUNK CHEST COFFEE TABLE MUST SEE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original circa 1880 English Elm strapped with Wrought Iron rivets, leather handled, canvas steamer trunk This is a very well made example ...
Category

1880s English High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Elm

18th C. Spanish Colonial Ornate Hand Carved Wood Storage Box All Sides Carved!
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish Colonial carved-wood storage box from the 18th century. This antique Spanish Colonial period chest has rectangular shape with flat topside, which has been adorned with heav...
Category

18th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Woven Wicker Vintage Travel Chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Woven Wicker Vintage Travel Chest A very useful decorative travel trunk, the Trunk is covered made in woven cane, which has wonderful age darkened patina The tru...
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wicker

19th Century Buddhist Manuscript Trunk
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Buddhist Manuscript Chest - Trunk. Antique Burmese Sadaik Chest of the Mandalay Period. Once used to hold Buddhist texts and the likes of devotional practice. Wonderfu...
Category

1890s Thai Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Teak

Wedding Chest with Bronze Inlay on a Custom Stand-France, c. 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique rosewood French wedding chest made as a fancy and expensive gift for the bride. The rosewood chest has gilt bronze stringing and Boulle style inlay of mother-of-pearl and bro...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Bronze

1900s Crocodile Suitcase
Located in Vienna, AT
In this ad you get the chance to buy an old African crocodile suitcase from England. The skin has a rare tan shade and beautifully pronounced points on the top side of the suitcase. ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Faux Leather Lacquered Trunk, circa 1880
Located in Madison, MS
This lovey late 19th century faux leather lacquered trunk has so much character and would add an element of uniqueness to any room it is in. The rich caramel and brown coloring makes...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Faux Leather

Elaborately Decorated 17th Century Studded Leather Traveling Trunk
Located in Greenwich, CT
A fantastic 17th century Dutch traveling trunk in russia leather with elaborate brass stud decoration to front and top in the form of swirling flowers in geometric patterns with cent...
Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Painted Flat Top Trunk
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century antique painted flat top trunk. The wrought iron handles on each side make it easy to carry and move about. The flat top makes this trunk ideal to serve as a small coffe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood, Paint

English Coaching Trunk, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
English coaching trunk, circa 1875 A black leatherette coaching trunk, England, circa 1875. Black leatherette patina with reinforced studded steel brackets to corners and sides...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Steel

19th Century Trunk in Studded Leather and Solid Wood
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chest, trunk of the 17th century in a medieval style, work of art craftsmanship. Solid wood structure covered with leather completed by a precision work with the decoration on the wh...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Medieval Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Antique Art Deco Steel Metal Military Weapons Black Storage Travel Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Deco steel metal military weapons black storage travel trunk. Item features a steel metal construction, distressed finish, very nice antique item, great style and form, c...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Steel

19th C. Large American All Leather Steamship Trunk with Dated Export Travel Tags
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare all leather late Victorian Steamship Trunk in very good original intact condition. Unrestored with authentic patina and oozing charm and history down to export tags showing orig...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing-dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

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Antique Furniture Trunks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique furniture trunks is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique furniture trunks — often made from wood, metal and animal skin — can elevate any home. Antique furniture trunks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique furniture trunks made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique furniture trunks have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Louis Vuitton, Goyard and Hartmann Trunk Company are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Trunks-luggage for You

Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home.

There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique steamer trunks — named for their use on steamships — mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city.

In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.

Even if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.

From Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Furniture Trunks
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019

    The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

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