Question 1

How can I tell if a spoon is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a spoon is antique, check the hallmark on the reverse of the handle. This information will tell you a lot about who made the spoon and its silver content, which can lead you to the manufacturer and the age of the piece. Shop a large collection of vintage and antique spoons from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How can I tell if a mirror is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a mirror is antique, check the glass to see if it's wavy or has any imperfections. Modern glass tends to be perfect. While this can be a clue, it might just signify that the mirror is old, not antique. Another thing to check for is the reflective coating on the back of the glass to see if it has begun oxidizing and has any age scratches. Finally, check out the frame to see if it has the appearance of age. Shop a large collection of antique mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How can I tell if pottery is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if pottery is antique, first look for any identifying marks. Usually, you will notice them on the bottom of the piece. If you locate one, you can use an authoritative resource to determine the maker. Then, you can research the pattern and shape to determine an approximate date. Pottery made over 100 years ago is generally considered an antique. Find a range of expertly vetted antique pottery on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How can I tell if a teacup is antique?

Accepted Answer

There are a few things to check when determining if you’ve got an antique teacup. First, check the bottom of the piece. If there are handwritten marks, the tea cup was made before the 1800s. If the teacup has a stamped logo or has letters or numbers that aren’t blue, it was made after 1850. A tea cup with a trademark was made after 1862. You can also shop a collection of antique teacups from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How can I tell if cloisonne is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if cloisonne is antique, check the surface for a smooth finish. Antique pieces were made with more care and precision than modern and knock-off pieces are. Additionally, an antique piece will have more weight to it than a modern example, mainly because many modern pieces are made with resin. Always purchase antique jewelry from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of antique cloisonne from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

How can I tell if a rug is antique?

Accepted Answer

Determining the age of a rug often depends on the style of rug because different styles have evolved at their own rates and with their own characteristics. One thing you can look for is a date; some rugs weave the year into the border. Another thing to make note of is the color of the rug. Bright dyes and synthetic fibers weren’t available until the 1920s for rugs, so authentic antique rugs will have muted tones. Shop a collection of vetted antique rugs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can you tell if a mirror is antique?

Accepted Answer

You can tell if a mirror is antique through a number of indicators. For example, most antique mirrors are quite small in size, measuring no more than 2 feet. Additionally, antique mirrors will show signs of sports or discoloration. Many antique mirrors will have bubbling or waves in the glass.

Question 8

How can I tell if copper is antique?

Accepted Answer

Unless a copper piece has a heavy green patina indicating advanced age or bears a maker’s mark identifying it, the best way to tell whether a copper piece is antique is to take it to an appraiser. Find a collection of antique, vintage and modern copper pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can I tell if brass is antique?

Accepted Answer

You can tell if brass is treated to appear antique by looking at the patina. Because real aged brass is often made of copper, the older it gets the more likely it is to have a greenish or bluish patina that you’d expect from copper. Modern brass that’s designed to look antique will have a brownish hue, not a blue-green one. Shop a collection of antique brass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How can I tell if my teapot is antique?

Accepted Answer

A good indicator as to whether your teapot is antique is to check the spout holes. If it has three or four, it is likely your piece is an antique. There may also be a maker’s mark on the bottom, which could help identify the date made. Shop a collection of antique goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can you tell if a necklace is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a necklace is antique, first look for hallmarks that indicate the maker. If you locate them, you can consult trusted online resources to find out when the company or artisan was active. To qualify as an antique, a necklace must be at least 100 years old. The presence of materials that are no longer commonly used to produce jewelry, like bakelite, camphor glass, foil opals and paste, can be good indicators that a piece is an antique. Antique jewelry is also more likely to have European- and rose-cut gemstones than modern cuts like the brilliant round. Because it can be difficult to date jewelry on your own, you may wish to consult an expert, like a certified appraiser or experienced dealer, for assistance. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique necklaces.

Question 12

How can you tell if jewelry is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is antique, look for its hallmarks. You will usually find them in inconspicuous areas, such as on clasps, the backs of pendants or the insides of bracelets and rings. Once you have located the hallmarks, use trusted online resources to identify the maker and find out when they were active. Pieces produced more than 100 years ago are antique. If you need assistance dating a particular piece, enlist the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Find a large collection of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if antique jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if antique jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks that may signify the maker. You can then use trusted online resources to find out what to look for to verify authenticity. If the jewelry doesn't have hallmarks, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or licensed dealer. An expert can evaluate your jewelry, tell you whether it is a genuine antique and provide information about its materials and approximate value. Explore a large selection of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can I tell if a porcelain vase is antique?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to tell the approximate age of a porcelain vase, including identifying the maker's mark. These are usually located on the bottom of the vase. The maker's mark can help you find the era of manufacture once you know the company or studio that produced the piece. Look for imperfections, which were inevitable with wood-fuelled kilns of the past but uncommon with modern gas-fuelled kilns. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique porcelain from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 15

How can I tell if carved wood is antique?

Accepted Answer

Antique carved wood can be identified by how it is made. Antique carvings were done by hand, so nicks and cuts will indicate carvings completed with a plane or knife. In addition, hand-carved wood will not be uniform or have perfect symmetry. Always works with a certified appraiser to determine the exact date and value of an item. Find a variety of antique carved wood furniture and decor on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How can I tell if sterling silver is antique?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is considered antique if it was made over 100 years ago. Many antique sterling silver items will have a mark or stamp. First, clean the item and check for marks. A “925” mark indicates a silver purity of 92.5 percent, which is the composition of sterling silver. If you don’t see a mark, work with a certified appraiser to acid test the item and determine the silver content. You’ll find expertly vetted antique sterling silver items on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can you tell if a rocking horse is an antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a rocking horse is antique, first look for a label or mark that indicates the manufacturer’s name. Some makers of antique rocking horses include F.H. Ayers, Collinsons & Sons, G & J Lines, Crossley Brothers and Stevenson Brothers. If you're unable to find a maker's mark, you may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer who is knowledgeable about rocking horses. Shop a variety of rocking horses on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?

Accepted Answer

There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How can I tell if a carousel horse is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a carousel horse is an antique, consider the construction. True antiques are normally hollow wood and have one-piece designs. Solid wood horses and those that have detachable ears and tails are likely to be reproductions. You'll find a variety of expertly vetted antique carousel horses 1stDibs.

Question 20

How can I tell if a silver spoon is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a silver spoon is an antique, seek the assistance of a licensed and experienced appraiser. Many antique pieces lack marks, and it is generally not possible to determine the type and age of metal through a simple visual inspection. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver spoons on 1stDibs.

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