How to Buy Quality Antique Furniture
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Antique furniture provides a beautiful and unique look to any home. The quality of these pieces can range greatly and is based upon original quality, condition and care throughout the years. Different steps will help you locate and purchase quality furniture from the past.
Do your research
Before you start purchasing antique furniture, you should learn all about antique furniture. First find out the different terminology such as the Queen Anne and Louis XV styles. Find out about some of the warning signs of reproductions or poor quality. For instance, if a piece has modern hardware or parts that have been replaced, then the quality or even the authenticity itself may be compromised.
Books can provide a lot of information. You can purchase a book such as Antique Trader Furniture Price Guide by Mark F. Moran, available on Amazon. You will also find information on the Internet at websites such as Antique Central.
Evaluate the sources of antique furniture in your area
There are many sources where you may find quality antique furniture. You can look for auctions, which often sell the best pieces. A quality auction will guarantee authenticity.
Of course there are many antique stores in different areas. You can look online at websites such as Antique Furniture Mall or Old Plank. You can get great deals at websites such as ebay. Estate sales can be another great location for the purchase of antique furniture.
There are many antique stores in local areas. You can find a listing with a Google web search. Visit them to get an idea of their products and the quality of what they sell. Antique malls are another great resource. You will find numerous vendors under one roof.
Evaluate the furniture
There are numerous ways that you can evaluate a piece of antique furniture to make sure that it is a quality piece. Using the information you learned, look for signs of new paint, wormholes, secondary wood pieces and the incorrect sizes of boards. You should inspect the entire item, even the back and inside. Paint should be uniform, because otherwise repairs or changes that affect the value may have occurred. Make sure that it is functional (i.e. drawers slide in and out easily, doors open). It should not wobble. Prior to 1900, these drawers are likely to have dovetails. Learn about signs of lower quality such as butt joints.
You can look for signs of replacement parts. Is one knob different from the others? Is there an outline under a part that shows a missing piece? You may find old or plugged drill holes. Of course, these repairs do not mean that it is not a quality piece. It is important to understand how original the piece is.
Making the purchase
Ask the dealer to explain everything he or she knows about the piece. You can often negotiate the price of antique furniture. Ask about any warranties. After the purchase make sure to get a receipt that lists all of the claims of the dealer (i.e. year the piece originated). If you later find it to be a reproduction, this proof will aid you.
Quality antique furniture can make a home beautiful. The above tips can help you find the right furniture for you.