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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
Category
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Secretary - Antique Scandinavian Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau, secretary made of hand crafted painted
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Metal
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 Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Louis XVI secretary desk exemplifies the refined elegance and craftsmanship
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI Secretary Bookcase, South German 1780, Cherry
Located in Belmont, MA
Louis XVI secretary bookcase, South German 1780.
Elegant and unique secretary bookcase with
Category
1780s German Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Cherry
19th Century George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Secretary
Located in Essex, MA
Period George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase. Beautiful Georgian Fenestration. Base Cabinet Opens to Reveal a Satinwood Writing Interior. Original Linen Slides Underneath. Nice ...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut
Located in Leimen, DE
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany, 1750
This exquisite antique Baroque secretary
Category
1750s German Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut
$8,997 Sale Price
20% Off
Louis XVI Style Secretary Stamped Quignon in Paris
By Frederic Gustave Quignon
Located in BARSAC, FR
Gustave-Frédéric Quignon
Superb Louis XVI style piece of furniture in very finely carved solid
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany Drop Front Secretary "Secrétaire à Abattant"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 19th century French Empire drop front secretary with black as a marble top and side columns with
Category
1870s French Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
$6,320 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Danish Baroque Secretary Desk in Faux-Marble
Located in Kastrup, DK
Impressive Danish Baroque secretary desk in grey-blue faux-marble decoration. The piece is
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Bronze
Courtly ladies
secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris
Solid oak wood veneered with fine
Category
19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Bronze
Stickley Brothers Antique Oak Arts
Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period slant front writing desk or secretary desk
By
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Copper
Antique Italian Baroque Style Burl Walnut Secretary Cabinet
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Baroque style walnut veneer secretary cabinet, early 20th century. The top part of the
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Italian Baroque Style Burl Walnut Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Italian baroque burl walnut secretary desk with a cartouche form mirrored panel beneath a
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Secretary, Birch and Birch burl veneered
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Secretary Desk, circa 1820, Braunschweig
An exceptional secretary desk from around 1820, crafted
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Birch
$9,017 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Early 18th Century Baroque Walnut Secretary-Bookcase
Located in Troy, NY
Italian Early 18th Century Baroque Walnut Secretary-Bookcase with beautiful, thick walnut radica
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut, Mirror
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Swedish Gustavian Secretary / Writing Desk from early 19th century
A rectangular top sitting above
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
$2,616 Sale Price
30% Off
Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Located in Water Mill, NY
Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and
bone pulls.
Category
1790s American Federal Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
$4,500 Sale Price
52% Off
Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut
Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890.
84 1/4" x 38 5/8" x 21 1/2".
A fine example of
Category
Late 19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut, Burl
$2,760 Sale Price
20% Off
French Mahogany Louis Philippe Secretary, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
French late 19th century Louis Philippe secretary with a mahogany veneer. The top drawer front
Category
Late 19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
Consulat Commode and Secretary in Mahogany and Mahogany veneer
Located in Paris, FR
mahogany veneered secretary with flat columns veneered with gilt-bronze Egyptian heads. It opens on the
Category
1790s French Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique Sheridan Flame Mahogany Two Piece Secretary Desk 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Sheridan secretary offers flame mahogany construction with upper having a shaped crest over case with
Category
19th Century Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Louis Philippe Period Stripped Pine Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Secretary is ideal for the casual decor with its clean lines and sublime functionality. The tailored lines
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
Antique Primitive Country Farmhouse Pine Wood Secretary Bookcase Cupboard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Country Farmhouse Pine Wood Secretary Hutch Cupboard. Item features 2 part construction
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Rustic Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Glass, Pine
18th Century Louis Seize Rosewood and Walnut Secretaire Secretary
Located in Münster, DE
Diagonal flap secretary
Louis Seize, around 1780/90, rosewood, walnut and other precious woods
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Walnut, Softwood
Antique 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning Biedermeier secretary was crafted in Denmark during a peak era known for high quality
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
18th Century 2 Piece Secretary Desk Writer’s Bureau
Located in Pasadena, TX
48" Victorian secretary desk writer’s Bureau
Crafted from solid cherry, this multi-function piece
Category
Late 18th Century North American Victorian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Cherry
$3,120 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Oak, Paint
Louis XVI Satin Secretary Stamped Conrad Mauter In Paris
By Conrad Mauter
Located in BARSAC, FR
Very beautiful Louis XVI period secretary made of satin and amaranth veneer, front uprights in cut
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Marble
19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century American mahogany serpentine slant front secretary bureau desk.
Nice quality
Category
1880s American Victorian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
19th Century Hand-Painted Satin Wood Secretary Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite 19th-century antique hand-painted satin wood cabinet is a true work of art, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of its time. The cabinet’s lustrous satin wood fin...
Category
19th Century Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Satinwood
Aesthetic Movement Bonheur du Jour Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bonheur du Jour secretary desk cabinet,
circa late 1880s.
Dark walnut with finial accents and
Category
Late 19th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut
$3,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Empire Style Secretary Made In Mahogany
Intarsia From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This impressive Empire style secretary from the year 1820 is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship
Category
1820s Danish Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
$3,032 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Secretary Cabinet, Late 18th/Early 19th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and finely crafted two-part Gustavian secretary cabinet from Sweden, dating from the late
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Oak, Pine
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Arts
Crafts Mahogany Secretary Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk
In the manner of Stickley
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Secretary With Mirrored Bookcase. Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany secretary with mirrored bookcase. Secretary has a upper case broken pediment top
Category
1780s English George III Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
Opulent Secretary in Napoleon III - Makart Style, Vienna, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
century. Furniture like this secretary was conceived as an autonomous art object, contributing—together
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Napoleon III Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
ever since, and has a special place in the world of antique furniture.
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Louis XVI Secretary made of Oak
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A provincial Louis XVI secretary or ‘secrétaire à abattant’. Classicism, late 18th century. West
Category
Late 18th Century European Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Oak
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
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
Italian Empire Neoclassical Walnut and Parcel-Gilt Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire neoclassical walnut and parcel-gilt secretary Handsome masculine Empire campaign
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut, Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century British Antique Victorian Two-Part Pinewood Secretary Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century British Victorian two-part secretary, finely hand-crafted in painted pinewood
Category
19th Century English Victorian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
$17,920 Sale Price
20% Off
Original French Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1760
Located in Belmont, MA
This French Louis XV secretary desk dates back to around 1760 and comes from Paris. This exquisite
Category
1760s French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Kingwood, Mahogany
$13,200 Sale Price
40% Off
A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood
Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Collectors Doctors Cabinet 1790
Located in Portland, OR
A very rare antique George III English Mahogany secretary bookcase, with a fitted collector's or
Category
1790s English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk Tabernacle Cabinet 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant, antique Austrian mahogany Biedermeier secretary desk cabinet, circa 1820.
The
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Ormolu
New England birch secretary / slant front desk, 18th century
Located in Houston, TX
This is an exceptionally handsome piece of early American craftsmanship. This 18th-century slant-front desk, crafted from warm birchwood, showcases the robust elegance and functional...
Category
18th Century Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Birch
18th Century English George II Walnut Secretary Bookcase
By Giles Grendey
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a fine quality 18th century English George II walnut secretary bookcase in the manner
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut
$16,395 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful French 19th Century Hand-Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful French 19th century hand-painted secretary desk, the patina is so much beautiful in
Category
1880s French Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood
Secretary Made In Mahogany WQith Inlaid Wood From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite secretary, crafted from rich mahogany with intricate inlaid wood details, showcases
Category
1840s Danish Other Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Mahogany
Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fantastic paint decorated Venetian secretary desk with faux marble interior is a remarkable
Category
Early 1900s Italian Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Walnut
$3,000 Sale Price
38% Off
Antique Georgian Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Sideboard Secretary Desk
Located in West Hartford, CT
Antique George III mahogany slant front secretary bookcase with molded cornice, glazed doors with
Category
Late 19th Century English George III Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Stunning Victorian Oak Camphor Military Secretary Campaign Chest
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing Victorian Camphor Military secretary chest of drawers
Category
Late 19th Century British Campaign Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Louis Philippe St. Crouch Mahogany Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive French mid-19th century Louis Philippe period flamed Mahogany and ormolu secretary
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Ormolu
19th c. Swedish Bureau Desk / Secretary in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish bureau secretary with a scalloped base in original paint. Circa 1870. Behind the drop
Category
19th Century Swedish Rococo Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
upper bookshelf cabinet supported by a lower drop front secretary with long turned legs and two drawers
Category
Early 19th Century American Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Poplar, Pine
$2,450 Sale Price
30% Off
French Louis Philippe Marble Top Commode with Secretary
Located in Rio Vista, CA
flanking a pigeon hole opening. Below the secretary are three storage drawers with brass swag pulls
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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Secretary Furniture Antique For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal secretary furniture antique for your home. A secretary furniture antique — often made from wood, mahogany and metal — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the secretary furniture antique you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A secretary furniture antique, designed in the Georgian, Baroque or Empire style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one secretary furniture antique that is appealing in its simplicity, but André-Charles Boulle, Wedgewood and George Hepplewhite produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Secretary Furniture Antique?
The average selling price for a secretary furniture antique at 1stDibs is $7,465, while they’re typically $167 on the low end and $437,700 for the highest priced.
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 Secretary Furniture Antique
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To date an antique secretary desk, start by determining the type of hinge used to secure the writing surface. Consult an authoritative resource to find out which furniture makers worked with that type of hinge. You can also look for the name of the manufacturer on the back or bottom of the piece. Find a range of expertly vetted antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
- 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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