Antique Secretaire Furniture
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Slant-Front Desk in Softwood, Germany, Late 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Slant-front desk in softwood with an angled writing flap revealing a spacious storage compartment beneath. Below, a two-door cabinet section features paneled doors with double fieldi...
Category
Late 19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Louis XV Secretary Desk, France 18th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
This original 18th century Louis XVI Secretaire has a stunning veneer and marquetry. The elegant
Category
1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Maple, Walnut
Antique Barley Twist English Oak Secretary with Display Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
This cabinet/secretary comes from England.
The cabinet is made from English oak.
It is highly carved and boast barley twist columns.
The cabinet doors have beautiful fretwork wedged ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, around 1840.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, around 1840.
Furniture in very good condition, after
Category
1840s Unknown Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Carved and Painted French Oak Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century Carved and Painted French Oak Secretary is an antique piece of furniture that
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Large Swedish Painted Secretary from Värmland, Dated 1854
Located in Atlanta, GA
This impressive mid-19th century Swedish secretary from Värmland, dated 1854, is a striking example of Scandinavian craftsmanship and functional elegance. Monumental in scale and bea...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Antique High Gloss Secretary Desk, Scandinavia, circa 1850s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
furniture with a more beautiful form will add elegance to any interior. A representative piece of furniture
Category
1850s Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Provencial Style Quarter Sawn Oak Drop Front Secretary
Located in Pasadena, TX
This Country French aka French Provincial secretary was made at the turn of the century. Its constructs are quarter sawn oak and plain oak. The legs are in the cabriole manner and it...
Category
1910s American French Provincial Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Unique French Style Ebonized Secretary
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Refined French abattant in the Empire style, featuring a striking black finish with elegant gold accents. The piece showcases a structured silhouette and traditional detailing, offer...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ancient secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1850.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Impressive secretary from the mid-19th century in Biedermeier style. Antique furniture with a more
Category
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mahogany Secretary Desk, Sweden, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Impressive secretary from the mid-19th century in Biedermeier style. Antique furniture with a more
Category
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
renovation, a piece of furniture finished in polish.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions: height: 159 cm, width: 103
Category
1860s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique secretary from around 1880, Northern Europe.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique secretary from the end of the 19th century, Northern Europe.
Furniture in very good
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black French Empire Polished Ebony Secretary, Antique Birch Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
secretaire represents the First French Empire time period, era also known as Napoleonic France. Wear
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
High-quality early Biedermeier Roll-top or Cylinder Secretaire or Writing Cabinet from South
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Napoleon III Walnut Off White Secretary Vitrine Bonheur Du Jour
Located in Lisbon, PT
A unique 19th century Napoleon III table desk Bonheur Du Jour in a sleek off white (color reference: #F2F0EF) lacquer high-gloss finish
Upper part showcase with three shelves and low...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$6,956 Sale Price
50% Off
18th Century English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century painted oak bureau with a good fitted interior. 1780.
Height to desk: 29-inches (73cm)
Code: 9087
Dimensions:
W: 43" (109.2 cm)
H: 41" (104.1 cm)
D: 23" (58.4 cm)
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century English painted oak bureau with a good fitted interior. 1780.
Height to desk: 30-inches (76 cm)
Code: 9081
Dimensions:
W: 41" (104.1 cm)
H: 42" (106.7 cm)
D: 20.5" ...
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
$2,962
Napoleon III Marquetry Secretary Vitrine Bonheur Du Jour
Located in Lisbon, PT
A unique 19th century Napoleon III table desk Bonheur Du Jour.
Upper part showcase with three shelves and lower part with a couple of drawers and extendable top and legs with black...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$4,660 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Louis Philippe Secretary Desk
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a Louis Philippe secretaire from the mid-19th century.
There are three bottom
Category
1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,693 Sale Price
20% Off
18th C. Louis XV Bureau Scriban Bibliothèque Secretary Cabinet Mahogany Antique
Located in West Hollywood, CA
rare and Tall Scribing bibliotic secretaire Library desk of a Gentleman or a Lady. Enclosing fitted
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron, Metallic Thread
$96,000 Sale Price
20% Off
19th C. Royal Antique Burl Wood Secretary Desk
Black Leather Drop Leaf Top Hrh
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Early 19th century secretary " Secrétaire a' Abattant " desk " Retour D'Egypt " Provenance, Succession
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$72,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Louis XV style lady’s secretary with red and gold chinoiserie decoration
Located in Wien, AT
Louis XV style, France, end of the 19th century. Various hardwoods and softwoods, veneered, primed in red, decorated in lacquer technique in the form of landscape scenes on the rever...
Category
1870s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Secretary Desk, Jean-Georges SCHLICHTIG, Master from 1765
By Jean-Georges Schlichtig
Located in Wien, AT
Louis XVI period, c. 1780, oakwood body, veneered with rosewood and amaranth, and with various, with marquetry panels, ornamental motifs and lattice pattern with partly dyed precious...
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
18th century Virginia walnut secretary
Located in Richmond, VA
Handsome 18th century Virginia secretary with tailored corner blind panels, bracket feet and fitted interior. Pulls most likely original. Recently discovered in a local Richmond esta...
Category
1790s American Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, 1820
Located in Leimen, DE
Biedermeier secretary desk, South west German, 1820. This beautiful drop front desk has three drawers in the lower part, they are embellished with original lion head brass fittings a...
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
20th Century Inlaid Wood French Napoleon III Style Roll-Top Bureau Desk, 1920s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French roll-top bureau from the early 20th century. Napoleon III style furniture richly inlaid with
Category
1920s French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Oak Secretary Bureau Painted Black, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak rococo secretary reflects the style and functionality of the late 1700's in Sweden.
The traditional interior with 8 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” (with addition...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
Ferdinando Pogliani Atrib. 19th Century Restored
By Ferdinando Pogliani
Located in Madrid, ES
Ferdinando Pogliani Atrib.
Amazing Italian Secretaire
19th Century.
Perfect condition.
RESTORED
Category
19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Precious Stone, Wood
19th C. Drop Front Desk, Secretary Abattant, with Multiple Wood Marquetry Inlay
Located in Madrid, ES
This handsome Carlos IV style "secretaire-abattant" or drop front desk combines functionality with
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Italian Florentine Giltwood Bureau Secretary Butlers Desk Chest
Located in Forney, TX
;
With desk open: 24.5" Deep
Clearance to desk: 28"
Keywords: Butlers desk, secretary, secretaire
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Cabinet by Giambattista Gianotti, Unique piece
By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Riunite d'Arte Decorativa (Room 116) for the II Biennial - Lombard Section - Room with Furniture and
Category
1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Outstanding Red and Yellow Ornate Large Venetian Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
and craftsmanship of Italy’s finest furniture traditions. Standing tall and elegant, this large-scale
Category
1920s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 18th Century Rosewood Fall Front Bureau
Located in High Point, NC
Stunning and rare late 18th century rosewood fall front bureau desk from Italy.
We have never had the pleasure to offer a finer piece of European history! The desk is made from...
Category
Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Bureau / Secretary Gustavian in Blue Painted In Pine. 18th Ctr. Swedish
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian secretary crafted in pine, finished in a charming blue tone with an elegant patina.
The piece is composed of two sections with refined detailing throughout.
The upper cabi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dark Gray Baroque Secretary, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque secretary cabinet featuring a two-door glazed display hutch above and a lower section with a slant-front writing desk and three drawers. The dark gray paint finish is newly a...
Category
18th Century French Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Softwood
18th Century Dutch Burl Walnut Secretary Cabinet Scriban Desk Library Antique LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare 18th century Dutch burl walnut secretaire cabinet Scriban desk Enclosing fitted interior
Category
18th Century Dutch Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$216,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Rosewood Campaign Secretary Chest for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed two part campaign chest with the classic brass banding overall and inset brass carry handles. The top chest has two short drawers flanking a center one that open...
Category
19th Century Campaign Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Swiss Early 19th Century Empire Bureau Cabinet, Signed Hirschgartner
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This fine Empire drop-front secretary (secrétaire a'abattant or secrétaire en armoire) with a
Category
19th Century Swiss Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
18th Antique Spanish Wooden Chest with Inlays and a Central Chapel
Located in Marbella, ES
Exceptional 18th-century Spanish chest of drawers, crafted in wood with marquetry and inlay details in reddish and dark tones. It features multiple drawers with original wrought iron...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Exquisite ebonised secretary desk from the 19th century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
functional furniture item but also a statement of art and history, perfect for connoisseurs and collectors
Category
1820s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Softwood
French Empire Style Marble-Top Mahogany Fall Front Desk Abbatant, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
French Empire style marble-top mahogany fall front desk, late 19th c., projecting frieze drawer, fall front panel, interior gallery with small drawers, inset writing surface, over do...
Category
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Roll-Top Bureau, France
Located in New York, NY
French roll-top desk resting on fluted legs with brass inlays and sabots. The refined fluting continues along the pilasters, creating a cohesive design. The lower section offers ampl...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$22,000 / item
18th Century Antique English George II Virginia Walnut Bureau
Located in Devon, GB
A good quality George II period antique bureau in well figured walnut, standing on bracket feet and with replaced handles and escutcheons. It has a fall front with a loper support at...
Category
18th Century British George II Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Restored Empire Chest of Drawers, Walnut, Maple, Spruce, Austria, 1820s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
. This chest is ideal for those looking for furniture with history and style. It is a beautiful and
Category
1820s Austrian Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Maple, Walnut, Spruce
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut
Located in Leimen, DE
desk from Germany (circa 1750) is a rare find for antique furniture collectors. Featuring a stunning
Category
1750s German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$8,997 Sale Price
20% Off
Baroque Secretary, Dresden, Mid-18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Impressive Baroque secretary from Dresden, featuring a two-drawer, slightly bombé commode base. Above it, a tall slant-front writing flap reveals a finely arranged interior with six ...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical Cylinder Secretary Desk with Clock, circa 1780
Located in Greding, DE
Significant neoclassical cylinder secretary resting on six tapered square legs, canted at the corners. The lower commode section, with two drawers, projects slightly in a risalit for...
Category
1780s German Neoclassical Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Lyra Secretary Desk, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Elaborately crafted Biedermeier Lyra secretary featuring an oval upper section with a narrow drawer and a small profiled pedestal. The piece rests on a concavely recessed base with f...
Category
1830s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
George III English Antique Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Desk circa 1780
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this distinguished George III Secretary Bookcase, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and refined proportions. Crafted with meticul...
Category
1790s English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Fine Quality Inlaid Marquetry Petite Louis XVI Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Louis XVI secretary desk embodies the refined elegance and timeless craftsmanship of 18th-century design. Beautifully constructed in mahogany with intricate mar...
Category
1920s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
18th Century French Secretary Desk
Located in Belmont, MA
secretaire de dame has a kingwood veneer and a very pretty marquetry with a diamond shape decor on the
Category
1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood
Antique Queen Anne Double Dome Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase 18th Century
Located in London, GB
death in 1714, furniture made after that period is often described as Queen Anne if it is made in the
Category
1720s Queen Anne Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 18th Century Black Oak Secretary Bureau from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak rococo secretary reflects the timeless Scandinavian styling from the late 1700's.
The slight serpentine curves of the drawers rest on simple yet becoming carved sides and fe...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Swedish Oak Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This drop front secretary maintains a timeless appeal due to the deeply aged patina of the oak and European country styling.
The interior has 6 drawers, 4 decorative "hidden" drawers...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
English 19th Century Regency Secretary Figured Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
English 19th Century Regency Secretary Figured Mahogany with Flat Moulded Top, Cabinet Doors and Turned Feet
Category
19th Century English Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Napoleon III Ebony Chiffonier with Secretary Desk, Brass Inlay Detailing
Located in Madrid, ES
slab of off-white marble. Though it is a durable piece of furniture which could be used as a dry bar
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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Antique Secretaire Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique secretaire furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and metal. There are many kinds of the piece of antique secretaire furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique secretaire furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Georgian, Louis XVI and Baroque styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one choice in our collection of antique secretaire furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Gillows of Lancaster
London, Henry Dasson and André-Charles Boulle produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Antique Secretaire Furniture?
A piece of antique secretaire furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $7,477, while the lowest priced sells for $165 and the highest can go for as much as $15,675,000.
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
Questions About Antique Secretaire Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024To 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.
- What makes furniture an antique?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
- Is antique furniture in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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, 2024To 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, 2024Many 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, 2021There 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 1, 2024To 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique 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, 2024Whether 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 ExpertOctober 24, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024How 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, 2021The 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 REDOctober 7, 2020To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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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