Furniture antique is distinct from other categories of antiques in the sense that no one collects the same type of object repeatedly. Regardless of your preference, if you are planning to purchase furniture antique, you need to know the basics.
In the beginning, furniture was crafted from solid wood but with improvement in cabinet making techniques, furniture decoration by applying veneers (thin sheets of wood) was developed. It was also an economical technique that made inexpensive woods look like expensive hard woods. Some of the woods used in furniture antique are beech, cherry, chestnut, ebony, elm, mahogany, pine, oak, satinwood, walnut etc.
The following features are significant when determining the age, authenticity, quality and worth or price of furniture antique:
• Color and Patina: Patina is the glow of the wood after years of accumulation of wax polish and dirt. A rich subtle color is also an important characteristic of furniture antique.
• Proportion: A disproportionate piece of furniture may well be a “marriage” of different parts from different furniture.
• Construction: Before the late 17th century, furniture was made using mortise and tendon joints and pegs were handmade.
• Condition: Do not ignore pieces with marks or blemishes as the wood has not been damaged. A good restorer can undo surface spots. Furniture antique in it original pristine condition is worth the highest price.
• Alterations: Altered furniture is always less desirable than the original piece. Telltale alterations include large pieces reduced in size, freshly cut surfaces, plugged holes, repositioned handles etc.
Well, apart from auctions and dealers, you can always check the classifieds section in the paper to see if anybody’s selling furniture and go check it out. You might even find a good bargain this way. Also, you will find many sites that sell furniture antique on the internet or you could use the internet to find out where you could go to get good deals on furniture antique.
Furniture antique - Antique Mahogany Can't Be Beat
There are many different types of furniture antique out there, but if you want really beautiful, well made wooden furniture antique, then you need to look for mahogany. Furniture made of mahogany wood tends to have a stunningly beautiful and majestic appearance.
Red mahogany is generally from the West Indies while brown mahogany is generally native to South America.
Antique mahogany furniture comes mostly from English tradition. Antique mahogany furniture tends to be really expensive, so if you love the look but the prices are too high you might want to consider either reproduction furniture, or look in smaller town antique stores.