Question 1

Is vintage leather real?

Accepted Answer

Whether vintage leather is real or not depends on the piece. Vintage apparel and accessories that seem to be made from leather will often have tags to tell you the material content. You can also apply one or two drops of water to a discreet spot and see if it is absorbed. If the water rolls off, the item likely isn’t genuine leather. Shop a collection of leather pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How can I tell if a vintage Omega is real?

Accepted Answer

You can tell if an Omega watch is real by looking for the serial numbers. An authentic Omega watch will have a seven or eight-digit serial number on the inside of the case back. Shop a collection of Omega watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Is my vintage Eames chair real?

Accepted Answer

To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

Question 4

How can you tell if a vintage ring is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage ring is real, examine its details. Older pieces are usually handmade, so they’ll often lack perfect symmetry or feature minor flaws in the details. Does it show signs of wear and tear that normally wouldn’t appear on a new accessory? Stamps and/or markings inside the band may indicate the content of the metal as well as the manufacturer. You can consult online resources to see if the stylistic characteristics match jewelry from the era during which you believe the ring originated. Certified appraisers or seasoned professionals within the jewelry industry can also help you determine the age of a piece. If you wish to know if a vintage ring’s gemstone is real, consult an experienced gemologist. Shop a range of jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How can you tell if vintage jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

The way to tell if vintage jewelry is real depends first on determining what you mean by "real." If you want to know if a piece is actually made by a particular brand or is a reproduction, you can consult trusted online resources to see what hallmarks and other details are present on genuine pieces. Then, you can examine your jewelry using these criteria. You can also find tests to determine whether precious metals and gemstones are real or not. However, use caution, as some tests can damage jewelry. A simple way to tell if vintage jewelry is an authentic example of a particular maker's work or made of real materials is to take the piece to an experienced appraiser or dealer. Find a large selection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Is IKEA furniture made of real wood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some IKEA furniture is made of real wood. The Swedish furniture maker produces many of its pieces out of solid wood. Other pieces feature wood composites, which are a mix of manufactured board, wood fiber and other materials. Find a collection of vintage IKEA furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can I tell if it’s real mahogany furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a piece of furniture is real mahogany, look closely at the surface of the wood. Authentic mahogany should show off a fine straight grain and has a silky appearance. Shop a variety of expertly vetted mahogany furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How can I tell if a vintage Prada bag is real?

Accepted Answer

Several telltale signs allow you to authenticate a vintage Prada bag. Look at the logo for consistency — the Prada logo has a distinctive font, particularly the notch taken out of the “R." Fakes will often leave this detail out. All details, including patterns, fonts and stitching, should be neat and even. Prada uses the highest quality luxury leather to craft its bags, and a plastic-like smell or rough texture could indicate the bag is a fake. Find a collection of expertly-vetted Prada bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can I tell if a vintage Cartier watch is real?

Accepted Answer

To authenticate a vintage Cartier watch, remove the case back and you’ll see the brand name inscribed. “CARTIER” is located at the seven o’clock or ten o’clock markers and “SWISS MADE” under the six o’clock marker on genuine watches. Counterfeiters often omit these details or even spell the brand name wrong. Cartier watches have a substantial weight due to the high quality materials used to craft the timepiece, and a lightweight watch could be an indication that your piece is a fake. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of genuine Cartier timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 10

How can I tell if a vintage Chanel necklace is real?

Accepted Answer

Vintage Chanel jewelry always has a date stamp and logo located somewhere on the piece that you can use for authentication. Everything on the date stamp should be easy to read, and the Chanel logo should look immaculate. Fake logos are often hard to read and have mistakes in the font. All the details should be exquisite, and the necklace should feel substantial. If it feels light and cheap, it’s probably a fake. Shop a collection of authentic vintage Chanel necklaces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can I tell if a vintage Gucci bag is real?

Accepted Answer

An authentic Gucci bag often has a serial number stitched on a tag in the bag's interior. Gucci serial numbers don't contain letters, and any letters present in the serial number are an indication that your bag is a fake. Check the bag for any signs of messy craftsmanship — luxury goods have impeccable stitching and stray threads are a warning sign. Ensure the hardware is of good quality and not rusted or chipped. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 12

Do vintage Chanel bags have real gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some vintage Chanel bags have real gold on their chain straps and hardware. Specifically, Chanel utilized 24-karat gold alloy plating on its pieces prior to 2008. After that, Chanel switched to a gold-tone metal that doesn't contain pure gold. Shop a selection of Chanel bags on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if a vintage Gucci watch is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage Gucci watch is real, look for a serial number on the back of the case and/or on the original box if you have it. Then, contact Gucci customer service by phone for assistance with authentication. If you are unable to find a serial number, the best approach is likely to take the timepiece to a knowledgeable appraiser who can authenticate the item. Find a range of Gucci watches on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can you tell if vintage Cartier glasses are real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage Cartier glasses are real, first look for the brand's logo on the outside of the arms. It should be spelled correctly and in the French luxury fashion house's iconic gold-toned italic font. Because some vintage pieces may lack serial numbers and other markings used to identify contemporary eyewear, you may wish to enlist the help of a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for assistance with authentication. Explore a selection of Cartier glasses on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can I tell if a vintage Fendi baguette is real?

Accepted Answer

To authenticate a vintage Fendi baguette, first ensure the serial number tag is present behind the brand logo tag on the interior of the baguette. If there’s no number, or if the tagged area looks sloppy or different from pictures of a genuine article, you’ve got a fake. Always look for excellent craftsmanship. An authentic Fendi bag should be built to last, and uneven stitching or other signs of sloppy workmanship are indications that the bag isn't genuine. Shop a collection of expertly-vetted vintage Fendi bags on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How can I tell if a vintage movie poster is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a movie poster is vintage, look at it through a loupe or magnifying glass. Older posters were created through a process that applies a solid color to the paper. Reproductions are often produced by a method that uses visible pixels. The size of the poster may also be a giveaway. Research to determine the known sizes of that particular poster will help in your research. Shop a large collection of vintage movie posters from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can I tell if a vintage Gucci belt is real?

Accepted Answer

Authentic Gucci leather belts have tight and even stitching — imperfect seams could indicate the belt is a fake. The leather itself should have a consistent texture, and all metal parts are smooth and durable. Fakes can copy the exact details of authentic Gucci serial numbers, but they often print details like the logo in the wrong font with poor readability. Compare the serial number to pictures of a genuine article to help ensure authenticity. Shop a collection of vintage Gucci belts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How can I tell if my vintage Omega watch is real?

Accepted Answer

You can check if your vintage Omega watch is the real deal by cross-referencing the serial number stamped on the watch. The serial number is seven to eight digits long, and if it doesn’t match the company’s database, this is a serious red flag that can indicate that the piece is fake. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Omega watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How can you tell if a vintage leather jacket is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage leather jacket is real, first look for any tags that show the material content. You can also do a quick test by applying one to two drops of water to an inconspicuous area. If the water is absorbed, the jacket is likely real leather. Water will usually roll off faux leather. On 1stDibs, find a collection of leather jackets.

Question 20

How can you tell if vintage Ralph Lauren is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage Ralph Lauren is real, first examine the tags. On authentic pieces, the size will appear on a separate tag layered on top of the material tag, and many counterfeits miss this detail. For polo shirts and other embroidered pieces, examine the horse logo closely. A real Ralph Lauren horse logo will have a distinct tail and a straight back leg, another thing that many fakes will lack. Finally, examine the thread used to secure buttons and fasteners. It should be the exact same color as the rest of the garment. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage Ralph Lauren apparel.

Real Vintage Furniture

1930s French Art Deco Real Vintage Furniture

Ernestine Sirine-Real "Lioness's Head", Plaster, circa 1930

1930s French Napoleon III Real Vintage Furniture

Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Man", Signed Plaster

1930s French Napoleon III Real Vintage Furniture

Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Woman", Unsigned Plaster

1930s French Art Deco Real Vintage Furniture

Ernestine Sirine-Real "Romantique Art Deco" Bust of a Man", Plaster

1940s French Art Deco Real Vintage Furniture

Ernestine Sirine-Real "Romantique Art Deco Plaster Sculpture of a Man

20th Century French Real Vintage Furniture

Patinated Bronze Statue "Ivresse" by Maxime Real del Sarte

20th Century French Real Vintage Furniture

20th C. Bronze Statue of "Ivresse" by Maxime Real del Sarte

20th Century Real Vintage Furniture

Natural Real Shells

1950s Real Vintage Furniture

Restored Mid-century Rattan & Wicker Dresser by Mengel Furniture

1950s Mexican Other Real Vintage Furniture

Antique Real Size Human Skeleton

20th Century German Real Vintage Furniture

Curious antique tray real butterfly wings

20th Century German Real Vintage Furniture

Curious Antique Tray Real Butterfly Wings, Brazil

1960s Real Vintage Furniture

Anni Albers, Camino Real Screen-Print Abstraction

Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Other Real Vintage Furniture

Oriental Carpet Runner on Real Opportunity

20th Century German Real Vintage Furniture

Curious antique tray with real butterfly specimens. Very rare

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Mid-Century Wabi-Sabi Real Bamboo Floor Lamp

20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Small Vintage Seal Sculpture Made of Real Fur

Late 20th Century Brutalist Real Vintage Furniture

Vintage rock form candleholders in real stone, 1970s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

RWAY Furniture Midcentury Dresser

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Ottoman or Coffee Table with Real for Fur, 1970s

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Vintage Rattan Harley Motorbike, Real Size, Spain, circa 1970

20th Century Italian Real Vintage Furniture

Italian Masterfully Hand-Carved Wooden Console Table with Real Gold Leafing

1960s Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Midcentury Plexiglass Pendant Lamp with Real Leaves, Germany, 1960s

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Wood Dix Tournament Select Real Bowling Pin Table Lamp

1930s Danish Rococo Real Vintage Furniture

Pair of Candlesticks Made In Real Silver From 1930s

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Hand-embossed 800 silver fruit, almost real size, Buccellati style

20th Century European Real Vintage Furniture

Antique Real Life Size Carved Sand Stone Cherub Head

Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Real Vintage Furniture

Gold Bronze "Foo Dog" Lamps, Shade in Real Parchment, 1950

1940s Art Deco Real Vintage Furniture

Art Deco Ottoman / Footstool with Original Real Leather Camel Style

Mid-20th Century German Other Real Vintage Furniture

20th Century Coffee Cup TRETTAU Bavaria Real Gold Acid

1950s British Real Vintage Furniture

Original Vintage Election Propaganda Poster Real Pension Vote Labour Party UK

1950s Italian Bauhaus Real Vintage Furniture

Hollywood Regency Real Argentinian Leather Waste Paper Basket, Italy, 1970s

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Three-Legged Floor Lamp with Real Dried Flowers from the 50s

1940s British Real Vintage Furniture

Original Vintage Advertising Poster BSA The Real Quality Bicycle Design Art

20th Century English Chesterfield Real Vintage Furniture

Rare Vintage green brown Chesterfield Corner Couch Made of Real Thick Leather

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

French Table Lamp with Real Seashell Surrounded by Nickel Chrome Frame

1940s English Real Vintage Furniture

1940's Real Industrial Enamel Green Single Pendant Lamp - 16 Inch

20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture

Real Conch Shell Sconce or Table Lamp on Acrylic Base

20th Century British Real Vintage Furniture

Vintage Brazilian Inlaid Wood Tray with Real Morpho Butterfly Wings

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Real Vintage Furniture