Every collector dreams of finding a priceless piece of furniture that has been overlooked by everyone else. If you do not have a background in furniture appraisal, the odds of you finding such a piece of furniture at a bargain price at an estate sale or in the classified ads are quite small. But it is possible with a little training, and some practice. In no particular order, here are 10 ways to spot a valuable collectors item.
Dirt
Years of dirt and dust will put many people off buying an old piece of furniture. This dirt, or patina, is evidence of age, and therefore it communicates value. An old piece of furniture that is in pristine condition may not be as valuable as a similar piece that has the patina of age.
Craftsmanship
In the 1860s, furniture began to be mass produced. Before this time, furniture was handmade by craftsmen. These craftsmen cut each part individually to fit its corresponding mating part. When examining a piece, examine the joints. Ask yourself: are they all perfectly sized, or are there small variations? Small variations can indicate that the piece has been handmade. Dovetail joints on drawers are a good example of this. If you find a handmade piece, it may have considerable value.
Accessories / Hardware
Hardware (e.g. drawer handles) is not a particularly good way of assessing furniture. This method can be inaccurate at times, because owners often replace hardware over the years. If the collector can look past the hardware upgrades to see the valuable piece beneath it, he/she may be able to replace the hardware with suitable additions that are contemporary with the furniture. In such case, the one performing the restoration may need to carefully conceal the holes created when the hardware was upgraded.
Desirability
Furniture, like many things, comes into and goes out of fashion. Being able to spot an item of furniture that is becoming sought, rather than a piece that is at the height of desirability is one way to pick up furniture at competitive prices. The ability to do this does require significant research beforehand; you have to know the market.
Damage
Damage to furniture will affect its desirability and, therefore, price. Speaking to experts in furniture restoration, such as our staff here at Rahn’s Furniture Restoration, will arm you with an understanding of where to draw the line between a piece that can be restored and a piece that is beyond hope. A good restorer will charge you a fair price, and work miracles to return your piece to its former glory.
Makers Marking
Many bespoke pieces of furniture had marks placed on them by the maker. These marks could either be a stamped mark into the wood or paper glued to the base of a chest of drawers or table top. A knowledge of popular furniture makers can help you spot a piece that has added value just because of who made it.
Quality of Repairs
A bad repair performed by an amateur restorer can seriously detract from the value of the piece. If the piece has been expertly restored by skilled craftsmen (such as our staff here at Rahn’s Furniture Restoration), any repairs will be virtually impossible to spot. Make sure you choose someone with an excellent reputation and track record to restore your furniture.
Symmetry
A piece of furniture made by a machine will be perfectly symmetrical. The machine will make every part identical. Although a craftsman intends to make each piece symmetrical, a handmade piece will have small variations. If you spot any variation in the symmetry of a piece, this is a strong indication that it was made by hand.
Type of Wood Used
Before 1700, oak was the wood of choice for making fine furniture. After 1700, walnut and mahogany became more popular. So while oak furniture was made after 1700, a piece made of walnut or mahogany is likely to be made after that time. Knowing which wood the piece is made from will enable you to accurately date and value the piece.
Style
Furniture legs are often a good indicator of the age of a piece of furniture. Over the years, the size and shape of legs have evolved, as has the foot of the leg. For example, thin fluted legs were popular from the 1750s to the 1850s, but were also occasionally made outside of this timeframe. So, like wood, they can be used as an indicator, but they are not always accurate.
Recognizing Valuable Furniture requires a Comprehensive Approach
While these clues will help you to spot an old, and possibly valuable, piece of furniture, any piece needs to be looked at as a whole. Certain aspects may have been copied from an earlier date. In Victorian times, making reproduction furniture from the previous century was big business. So you can have a piece that may look 250 years old, but may only be 150 years old. These Victorian reproductions have a value in their own right, though.
