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Secretary Furniture Antique

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Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This exquisite piece features a beautifully
Category

1870s American Federal Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Biedermeier Secretary shelve circa 1810 Cuba Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
attachment with profiled cornice. Beautiful patina, with shellac hand polish. The secretary was completely
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Early American style secretary desk / bookcase / writing bureau / larkin / chalet . Made
Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Oak

George II Walnut Slant Front Bureau Bookcase / Secretary
Located in Woodbury, CT
George II walnut and walnut burl slant front bureau bookcase / secretary with original hand beveled
Category

18th Century British George II Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Outstanding Early 18th Century English George I Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunningly gorgeous and outstanding early 18th century English George I Secretary
Category

Early 18th Century English George I Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut

English Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront with Secretary Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
English Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront with Secretary Drawer
Category

19th Century English Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Elegant Louis XV Period French Secretary Desk with Hidden Compartment
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV period Rococo secretary with hidden compartment, circa 1760. This antique French
Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Federal New England Mahogany Tambour Secretary Chest
Located in Baltimore, MD
Made in the North shore region of Massachusetts or New Hampshire an elegant Federal chest, attention to period detail is noteworthy in this fine case piece, crafted with utmost care ...
Category

18th Century American Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau
Located in Dayton, OH
Exquisite antique early 19th century secretary writing storage desk. Made of flame mahogany
Category

19th Century American American Colonial Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

19th Century German Biedermeier Veneered Mahogany Cabinet - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The bottom part of the secretary is
Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary Desk Cabinet Chest 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Austrian Biedermeier flame mahogany secretary chest, circa 1860. The cabinet having
Category

1860s Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

French Painted Secretary Desk with Fallfront, Mid 19th century
Located in South Salem, NY
This late 19th-century French secretary exudes timeless elegance with its creamy painted finish
Category

Late 19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Traditional Secretary Wood Desk with Shelf, FR-1062
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Traditional Secretary Wood Desk with Shelf The secretary desk with shelf originates from
Category

Early 20th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Danish Biedermeier Pine Secretary Desk With Blue Leather
Located in Centennial, CO
A stately antique circa 1900 Danish Biedermeier style secretary desk crafted out of gorgeous
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

French Transition Period secretary c. 1760 Jean-Francois Dubut
Located in Münster, DE
Secretary à battant - Jean-Francois Dubut Elaborately crafted bureau à battant, Paris circa 1760
Category

1760s French Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble

French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Secretary Desk w/ Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 47.50”H x 32.50”W x 19.25”D Table Height 28.25 This elegant French Louis XVI–style secretary
Category

1920s American Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Secretary W/ Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite early 19th century French Empire secretary, meticulously restored and sourced from
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble, Brass

Early 19th Century Mahogany Empire Secretary Bureau from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich mahogany and stately lines define this handsome Empire drop front secretary. Refer to close up
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A gorgeous 19th century French mahogany secretary style desk, designed as a classic Louis Philippe
Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble, Iron

Baroque Secretary with Upper Cabinet in Walnut, 18th/19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque fall-front secretary veneered in walnut, featuring a commode base with three drawers and a
Category

18th Century German Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

Sevres Plaques Inset Bronze Mounted Parquetry Walnut French Secretary Desk
By François Linke
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French secretary desk is a true showcase of artistry and craftsmanship
Category

1890s French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Secretary In Blackened Pear Wood - Brass Marquetry
Located in Brussels, BE
Napoleon III Secretary In Blackened Pear Wood - Brass Marquetry
Category

19th Century Napoleon III Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Rare North German Altona Empire Secretary, circa 1810-1815
Located in Handewitt, DE
Beautiful and rare original North German "Altona" Secretary, circa 1810-1820. Fine cuba-mahogany
Category

1810s German Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Roll-Top Secretary Desk, France, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Refined neoclassical roll-top secrétaire standing on fluted square tapering legs with matching pilaster strips. The lower section features three drawers, topped by a mirrored two-doo...
Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Louis Philippe Secretary Desk, Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Louis Philippe secretary desk veneered in mahogany, featuring a flat writing flap, two-door lower
Category

Late 19th Century German Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Tall Oak Secretary Bureau from Sweden, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This 7' tall oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Early 1900 s Antique Venetian, Burled, Walnut, Mirrored, Secretary / Desk!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Secretary, Venetian, Burled, Walnut, Mirrored Doors, Desk, early 1900s, 20th
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Other Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Secretary c. Mid 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
library, study, or entryway, and stands as a handsome example of 19th-century American furniture
Category

Mid-19th Century American Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

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
Category

1910s American French Provincial Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Oak

19th Century Louis Philippe Style Fall Front Secretary Chest
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful craftsmanship Louis Philippe style secretary chest cabinet desk in a satin / burl wood
Category

1810s French Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble, Brass

Victorian Enameled Waterfall A Abattant Secretary Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
Victorian White Enameled Waterfall A Abattant Secretary Chest of Drawers Measures 29.5" in width
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Mid-19th Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Pine, circa 1840–1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
This classic Swedish antique secretary dates to the mid-19th century and exemplifies the restrained
Category

19th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Pine

Federal Period Massachusetts Mahogany Secretary Desk with Cylinder Tambour
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal mahogany two part secretary desk, with a dentil molded cornice
Category

Late 18th Century American Federal Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Edwardian Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Filing Cabinet Console 39"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare Antique Edwardian filing cabinet secretary desk / console / music stand. Made of mahogany
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Gustavian Secretary Desk in Black-Painted Pine – Sweden, c. 1790
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian secretary desk crafted in black-painted pine with brass fittings. The upper section
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Original Painted Pine Secretary Bureau from Sweden, dated 1847
Located in Round Top, TX
This unusual secretary is a special find. The remarkable folk art painted finish is all original
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

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 Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble

Antique Quervelle School American Empire Carved Flame Mahogany Secretary c1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
School American Empire Carved Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk C1840. Measures - 93"H x 43.25"W x 21.75"D
Category

19th Century American Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Glazed Secretary From The 18th Century In Mahogany-england
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Mahogany glazed secretary from the end of the 18th century of very good quality Very beautiful
Category

18th Century British Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

German Biedermeier Olivewood Inlaid and Parcel Gilt Secretary / Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
German Biedermeier (18th Century) olivewood secretary / bookcase in shaped rectangular with the top
Category

18th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining We present you this piece
Category

Mid-19th Century European Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Baize, Mahogany

18th Century Italian Provincial Circassian Walnut Secretary Slant-lid Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This 18th Century Italian Provincial Circassian walnut secretary slant-lid desk is a fine example
Category

1790s Italian Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Burmese Official, Wife Secretary in Ceremonial Dress – Antique Print, c.1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Burmese State Official, His Wife, and a Secretary in Ceremonial Dress – Antique Costume Print
Category

Early 19th Century English Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Paper

Antique Victorian Mahogany Cylinder Roll Top Bookcase Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Beautiful Antique Victorian Mahogany Cylinder Roll Top Bookcase Secretary Desk. Item features 2 part
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

19th Century Louis Philippe Fall-Front Secretary in Cherrywood
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful craftsmanship Louis Philippe abattant secretary desk in a walnut cherry wood with
Category

1860s European Louis Philippe Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

French Empire Mahogany Drop Front Secretary "Secrétaire à Abattant"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century French mahogany wood Empire style drop front secretary with a removable black
Category

1810s French Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Mahogany Bureau Secretary with Bookcase
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Empire secretary in West Indies mahogany, also known as Cuban mahogany, considered to
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique 19th C Empire Drop Front Desk Secretaries
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique 19th C Empire Drop Front Desk Secretaries.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

Baroque Secretary à Trois Corps in Walnut, Mid-18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Impressive Baroque secretary in three sections ("à trois corps"), raised on compressed bun feet and
Category

Mid-18th Century German Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

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
Category

1920s French Louis XVI Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Provincial Louis XV Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1900
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk In the
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Genuine Swedish Country Corner Clock Secretary Cabinet Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Early 19th century northern Swedish corner clock secretary cabinet desk. This country house
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Country Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Pine

Outstanding Red and Yellow Ornate Large Venetian Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This outstanding Venetian painted secretary desk is a true statement piece, showcasing the artistry
Category

1920s Italian Neoclassical Revival Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

English Mahogany and Satinwood Secretary Desk Bookcase, 1790-1820
Located in San Francisco, CA
secretary with Chinese Chippendale style fine tracery (open-work) decoration. An impressive possibly one of
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Gustav
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Copper

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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, 2022
    To 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, 2021
    An 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 ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 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 ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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 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 ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

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

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

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

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