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How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

1 Answer
How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?
To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Dining Room Chairs on 1stDibs
Two Art Deco Dining Walnut and Skai Chairs, French, circa 1930
Located in Labrit, Landes
Set of two French Art Deco dining chairs, circa 1930. To be used has it is if you want to keep the patina or to restore walnut and skai. Sober and chic with a floral motif on the bac...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Set of 8 Cesca B64 Cane Armchairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Black 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 Cesca B64 Cane Armchairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, black wood frames with cane, chromed steel. Ready for a new home.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Navy Blue Gray Fabric, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful velvet fabric. Wood in this model is prepared in walnut color. This chai...
Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Set of Six Antique Victorian Quality Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Set of six antique Victorian quality carved mahogany dining chairs having a quality mahogany shape balloon back with a carved splat to the centre, serpentine shaped seats upholstered...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Other

Set 6 Vintage French Ladder Back Dining Chairs Rush Seat Oak Country Farmhouse
Located in Shreveport, LA
Set 6 Vintage French Ladder Back Dining Chairs Rush Seat Oak Country Farmhouse. Direct from France, a lovely set of 6 antique/vintage French chairs, perfect for either a dining room...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rush, Oak

Hans J. Wegner Set of Early Production Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A rare collection of 6 model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner iconic chair. The chairs have an amazing deep pat...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

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