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Antique circa 1900 Indian Teluga Kavidpetti Marriage Dowry Campaign Chest Wheels
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique circa 1880-1900 Indian Teluga Kavidpetti Marriage Dowry chest with campaign handles and original wooden wheels A very well m...
Category

Early 1900s Indian Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

English Brass Mounted Trunk w/ Original Key
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 19th Century English Brass Mounted Trunk w/ Original Key.
Category

19th Century Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

19th C. Victorian Original Double Handled Initialed Leather Portmanteau Suitcase
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare large leather double handled Victorian portmanteau. Beautifully handcrafted with attention to detail. In original unrestored condition. Initial plaque may be screwed in from wit...
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Chinese Late 19th Century Red Trunk with Black Hand-Painted Riders on Horses
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indonesian Palembang trunk from the late 19th, early 20th century, with hand-painted décor. Created in Indonesia during the Turn of the Century, this Palembang trunk attracts our ...
Category

Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Export Leather Trunk on Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th Century Chinese export pigskin leather leather trunk with original beautifully aged deep red finish on fitted wooden stand. Excellent original condition.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

French Art Deco Embossed Crocodile Leather Doctor’s Bag, c. 1920
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Antique French embossed crocodile leather doctors bag / nurse bag c. 1920 The bag is in a nice antique condition after ca. 100 years as you can see on the photo's. It even has its ...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Art Deco Ribbed Leather Brown Handbag c. 1920
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful leather handbag from the Art Deco period, ca. 1920. A very nice bag for decoration, but you might want to take it to a diner party sometimes. The bag is in very good cond...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Little Art Deco Ribbed Leather Brown Handbag C. 1920
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Super sweet little leather bag from the Art Deco period, ca. 1920. The ladies had their lipstick and gloves in here. A very cute bag that is great to use for decoration, but you mi...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Little Art Deco Ribbed Leather Black Handbag, circa 1920
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Super sweet little leather bag from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The ladies had their lipstick and gloves in here. A very cute bag that is great to use for decoration, but you ...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Louis Vuitton Trunk 1913
By Louis Vuitton
Located in palm beach, FL
Exceptional Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk features stenciled monogram canvas; brown loziné LV stamped solid brass locks and studs. Customized yellow and black stripes give a lot of ch...
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Bronze

Mid 19th Century Spanish Mesquite Trunk Found in Zacatecas / Western México
By G. None
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Beautiful mezquite wood trunk with remains of orange paint, found in Zacatecas, Western Mexico. The piece in general shows wear but we find that it only adds character to this 250 y...
Category

Mid-19th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Mid 18th Century Leather Upholstered Arcon found in Jalisco Western Mexico
By G. None
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Mid 18th Century Leather Upholstered Arcon found in Jalisco Western Mexico This Arcon is in exceptional condition, the exterior is upholstered in brown/green leather. The wrought ir...
Category

Mid-18th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Chinese Antique Leather and Brass Trunk with Original Lacquer and Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese leather trunk from the early 20th century, with original lacquered finish and calligraphy. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this leather trunk f...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Very Robust Brassbound William IV Anglo-Chinese Padouk Silver Chest
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very robust brassbound William IV Anglo-Chinese padouk silver chest, of rectangular form with a hinged lid and the original substantial brass carrying handles, the lock stamped ‘Ba...
Category

1830s Chinese William IV Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Padouk

Monumental Swedish Neoclassical Hand Painted Dowry Chest
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificently decorated mid-19th century Swedish hand crafted and painted pine wedding dowry chest, dated 1855. This large and impressive chest features high quality craftsmans...
Category

Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine, Paint

Circa 1650 Sheet Iron Money Chest from Southern Germany with Wooden Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
In 15th and 16th century Europe, the works of blacksmiths from southern Germany were known far and wide. Demand for products by these skilled metal workers spread as far as the Scand...
Category

Mid-17th Century German Baroque Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

1920 s Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram , Vuitton Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very nice Louis Vuitton hand stenciled monogram canvas featuring chocolate color leather trim and LV stamped solid brass locks and clasps, LV stamped studs as well as LV stamped soli...
Category

1920s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

18th-C. Large Scale Hand Painted Continental / Swedish Pine Coffer or Trunk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an exceptional piece! It is a large scale hand painted continental coffer or trunk. It could be Swedish in origin. Note hand forged hardware! It has early peg and dovetail co...
Category

Late 18th Century European Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Large George III Antique Mahogany Cellarette/Wine Cooler
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large George III antique mahogany cellarette/wine cooler having a splendid quality mahogany lift up top with a moulded edge opening to reveal a fitted interior, original brass lions ...
Category

Early 1800s European George III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Other

18th Century Sri Lankan Satinwood Trunk
Located in San Marino, CA
A striking Sri Lankan satinwood trunk from the 18th Century. The trunk's edges are decorated with a scalloped design at the front and sides. The top of this trunk opens at one side a...
Category

Mid-18th Century Sri Lankan Dutch Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Satinwood

French 1930s Lavolaille Pine Trunk with Maker s Label and Monogram
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Lavolaille pine trunk from the early 20th century, with brass accents and monogram. Created in France during the second quarter of the 20th century, this pine trunk features...
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

English 1890s Camphor Wood Small Trunk with Brass Accents and Bracket Feet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English camphor wood trunk from the late 19th century with brass accents. Created in the last decade of the 19th century, this English camphor wood trunk presents an elegant linea...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Leather Triple Hat Bucket, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A fantastic gentleman's leather hat bucket with brass catch and original quilted silk lining to the interior that would hold two top hats, or a bowler and a top hat, plus space in th...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique Norwegian Colonial Oak Iron Bound Dome Top Sea Chest Immigrants Trunk
Located in Dayton, OH
Designed to serve as a container for sea transport, sea chests were sometimes elaborately adorned with intricate ironwork as is the case with this museum quality extra large, hinged,...
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Antique Craftsman s Trunk, English, Carpentry, Maritime, Tool Chest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique craftsman's trunk. An English, pine carpentry or maritime tool chest, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Generously sized trunk with considerably...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

1906 Antique Pine Carpenters Tool Chest Trunk Strong Box Disston Saws Planers
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional and rare antique pine carpenters tool chest or trunk featuring five Disston hand saws, a bunch of planers and various extras. Marked along the upper lid, "Erected Janu...
Category

Early 1900s Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

1800s Carved Cedar Chest Blanket Trunk
Located in Germantown, MD
Large 48 inches one of a kind antique carved wood chest / trunk / cedar chest. Features intricate hand carved details and a unique style and character. Solid carved wood frame and wi...
Category

Early 19th Century North American American Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th Century Oak Brass Banded Dome Top Hope Chest Trunk Coffer Box 49"
Located in Dayton, OH
An extraordinary and extremely rare rustic early 18th Century Baroque trunk or chest. Made of oak featuring a domed top with brass bound hardware and pegged wood wheels. Includes h...
Category

18th Century Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Indian Hardwood Travel Box
Located in Southall, GB
A stunning antique 19th century Indian hardwood travel box. Hand Carved and beautifully crafted, this box is a perfect example of Fine craftsmanship of the 19th Century in India. Rea...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Adirondack Twig Work Chest
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Adirondack twig-work lidded and handled box with original fabric inside. Exceptional patina and condition. Great for a lodge or cabin. Period: Last Quarter 19th century Origin: No...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Thai 19th Century Woven Rattan over Wood Carrying Case with Painted Interior
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Thai rattan over wood carrying case from the 19th century, with scroll-painted interior. Created in Thailand during the 19th century, this antique carrying case features a...
Category

19th Century Thai Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Rattan, Wood

18th Century Continental Coffer Trunk Small
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a handsome 18th century Continental trunk. This one is smaller in size. Some repairs are evident. The right side handle is not original. Warm patina on the surfaces. Meas...
Category

1750s European Jacobean Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Antique Ebonised Trunk on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A painted domed box on stand with central brass cartouche to the lid, brass handles to each side, the stand with bun topped tampering cylindrical legs and spindle feet.
Category

19th Century Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Early Colonial Stained Maple Handmade Travel Trunk / Chest with Hinged Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handmade travel trunk carved from maple wood planks with applied steel hinges and clasp. The hinged top opens to reveal a removable, divided tray providing an additional storage com...
Category

Early 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Maple

18th Century Leather Dome Top Trunk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th century leather dome top trunk in good condition… With brass nail heads and brass bail pulls at the sides… The front lock does not work but the back plate as well as the strap h...
Category

18th Century Queen Anne Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Delightful Antique Painted Hope Chest with Handpainted Dutch Figures
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful folk art hand painted antique trunk or chest in a yellow gold having charming male and female Dutch peasants adorning the top. Great size for a small coffee table with st...
Category

Early 1900s North American Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

French Early 20th Century Bibliotheque du Senat Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French early 20th century Bibliotheque du Senat trunk.
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

18th Century Spanish Wooden Trunk with Iron Hardware
Located in Marbella, ES
Antique 18th century Spanish wooden trunk with iron hardware.
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

English 19th Century Painted Wood Box Mounted on a Newer Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English wooden box from the 19th century, mounted on a newer custom stand. Created in England during the 19th century, this brown wooden box features a rectangular lid with painte...
Category

19th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Goyard Goyardine Steamer Wardrobe Trunk, 1912, France
By Goyard
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Early 1910s very rare Goyard wardrobe trunk handmade in France. This was the biggest trunk that was ever made by Goyard. The trunk is in very good condition with nice patina. Perfect...
Category

Early 20th Century French Country Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Star of India Ship s Trunk Made by Newton Shakespeare and Co. on Custom Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English tôle "Star of India" ship's trunk from the early 20th century, mounted on a custom base. Boasting a nicely weathered original finish, this Star of India ship's trunk, made...
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass, Tôle

Vintage Brown Leather Military Travel Trunk by R.W. Forsyth
Located in Esperance, NY
Vintage brown leather Military Travel Trunk by R.W. Forsyth. This is a very nice well loved leather trunk. The trunk has a great patina and has the original owners name on it and tha...
Category

1890s Scottish Country Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

English 1920s Sarah Rackett Metal Trunk with Handles Mounted on New Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English metal trunk from the early 20th century, on custom stand. Created in England during the first quarter of the 20th century, this metal trunk is accented with brass hardware...
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass

1900s Seasoned English Canvas Leather Wood Steamer Trunk with Brass Hardware
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
English steamer trunk which exudes old world charm and historic originality down to unrestored canvas, interior, travel stickers, leather work and wood trim, brass hardware and key. ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Shoe Travelling Case, Salesman s, Collector s, Travel Trunk, Globite
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage shoe travelling case. An Australian, salesman’s or collectors travel trunk by Globite, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Fascinating travel case Dis...
Category

Early 20th Century Australian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

American Federal Mahogany and Spanish Cedra Sugar Chest on Stand, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and Spanish cedra one drawer hinged sugar chest on stand with carved molded edge, exposed dovetails, wooden knobs, silver escutcheon, original keys, and res...
Category

1820s American Federal Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Silver, Iron

Antique Luggage Crocodile Skin Leather Suitcase, Colonial
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique suitcase made of crocodile leather handstitched with leather lacing and secured with tacks, an attractive antique reptile skin suitcase with a beautiful patina on the relief ...
Category

Early 1900s British British Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Faux Leather

19th Century Wooden Chest or Floor Trunk, Original Paint
Located in Praha, CZ
19th century antique wooden chest or floor trunk.
Category

1890s Czech Industrial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Sublime 1797 Dated Hand Paitned Portugese Chest or Trunk for Linens Coffee Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original 1797 dated hand painted Portuguese trunk or chest A very good looking and well made piece. A typical hand painted European ...
Category

1790s Portuguese George III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century Hand Painted Bavarian Dowry Chest Dated 1767
Located in Miami, FL
Late 18th century hand painted Bavarian dowry chest dated 1767 Offered for sale is a Bavarian hand painted dowry chest with cast iron handles, escutcheon and interior hinges. The ...
Category

Mid-18th Century German Primitive Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Antique Master Shipwright s Chest, English, Mahogany, Tool Trunk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique master shipwright's chest. An English, ebonized mahogany tool trunk with ornate interior, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Wonderful craftsman's piec...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Eight Vintage Luggage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of eight (8) vintage luggage in various materials: Qty one (1): 1930s metal suitcase by Jones Brothers & Co. combination of wood and metal with unique hardware. Dime...
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Set of Eight Vintage Luggage
Set of Eight Vintage Luggage
$4,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Astounding Ancient British 17th Century Bible Box
Located in Hopewell, NJ
British 17th century bible box - early oak with beautiful carvings. Six solid wood slab sides. Bought in the north of England. #5329.
Category

17th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

19th Century, Traditional Mexican Lacquered and Hand Painted Chest
Located in Mexico City, MX
This hand painted box is representative of a technique typical of the Olinalá region, in the state of Guerrero in the South of Mexico. Guerrero is the most important lacquer produc...
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

English Mid-19th Century Camphor Wood Trunk, Leather and Brass Bound
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English leather over camphor wood trunk with brass studs from the mid-19th century. This English rectangular brass bound trunk features two lateral carrying handles. The escutcheo...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Turn of the Century Dog Crate
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Early 19th century shipping crate for a dog. Label on top says it was from New Rochelle, NY. Under the door, is a slot to pull out a tray. Iron hardware.
Category

1910s Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Antique Hat Box Top Hat Biedermeier, Austria
Located in Munich, DE
Very rare hat box for a gentleman's top hat made out of hand printed carton. Considering the frailty of the material this very rare object is in surprisingly good condition. There a...
Category

1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Paper

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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

  • 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.

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