Question 1

How do you identify antique railroad lanterns?

Accepted Answer

To identify antique railroad lanterns, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on the bottom. Using trusted online resources, you can determine who produced your lantern based on these markings, and then you can research the company to find out when it was in business and making lanterns similar to yours. To be considered an antique, a railroad lantern must be at least 100 years old. If you can't find a maker's marking, it's generally necessary to use the characteristics of a lantern to date it. Because this can be difficult without experience and training, you may wish to seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer when identifying unmarked railroad lanterns. Explore a selection of lanterns on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What antique furniture is popular?

Accepted Answer

Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.

Question 3

How do I know if my furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 4

Is antique furniture in style?

Accepted Answer

Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 5

How do I identify my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.

Question 6

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

Question 7

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

Question 8

What is the best finish for antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs

Question 9

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

Question 10

How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Question 11

How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?

Accepted Answer

To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How old is furniture called antique?

Accepted Answer

How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 13

How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?

Accepted Answer

To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.

Question 14

How can I tell who made my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is antique furniture worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.

Question 16

Is antique furniture making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I date antique furniture from the UK?

Accepted Answer

To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.

Question 19

How old must furniture be to be considered antique?

Accepted Answer

To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 20

How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique Railroad Furniture

Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Railroad Furniture

Pair Antique Chestnut Folding Railroad Benches c. Late 19th Century

Early 20th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Vintage Railroad Lantern

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

Early Railroad Center Lamp

1890s American Antique Railroad Furniture

1899 Poole Brothers Antique Railroad Map of the Illinois Central Railroad

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

Four Light Railroad Center Chandelier

Early 20th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Pennsylvania Railroad Stock Car Model

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Railroad Furniture

Unique Leaded Glass Ticket Counter Railroad Lamp

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

Adams & Westlake No.207 Railroad Center Lamp

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Georgia 1888 Antique Map – Railroads, Settlements & Frontier Counties

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Nebraska Railroad Map 1888 – Rand McNally Antique Lithograph

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Kansas Railroad Map 1888 – Rand McNally Antique Lithograph

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Texas Antique Map 1888 – Railroads, Counties & Frontier Settlements

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Washington Map 1888 – Antique Railroads, Indian Reservations & Counties

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Map 1888 – Southern Texas Railroads, Counties & Settlements

Early 20th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Illinois Central Railroad Signal Lantern by Dressel Arlington NJ

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

1888 Colorado Map – The Centennial State’s Railroads, Mines & Counties

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Map of Nevada – Railroads, Mining Camps & Counties, 1888

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

1888 California Map – The Golden State’s Railroads, Cities & Counties

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Detailed Antique Map of Illinois – Railroads, Cities & Counties, 1888

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Dakota Territory Railroad Map 1888 – Rand McNally Antique Lithograph

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Louisiana Antique Map 1888 – The Pelican State, Railroads & Counties

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Florida 1888 Antique Map – Railroads, Settlements & Gulf Coast Detail

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Pennsylvania 1888 Antique Map – The Keystone State, Southeastern Railroads

Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Railroad Furniture

Large Historical Brighton Beach New York Railroad Bridge Photo

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Western Texas Antique Map 1888 – Railroads, Counties & Frontier Towns

Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

1800s Adams & Westlake Railroad Dining Car Chandelier Plus Smoke Catchers

1850s British Antique Railroad Furniture

Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory, U.S. Railroad Survey View – ca.1850

1850s Antique Railroad Furniture

Fort Okinakane - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Map of Arkansas 1888 – The Natural State, Railroads & Cities

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Rare 1888 Map of Arizona – Railroads, Mines & Early Frontier Settlements

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

Museum Quality James L. Howard Railroad Car Center Lamp

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Railroad Furniture

Rare Transition Dayton Railroad Car Gas and Electric Chandelier

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Antique Ohio Map c.1888 – Buckeye State Railroads, Towns & Settlements

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Alabama Antique Map 1888 – The Heart of Dixie, Railroads & Towns

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Railroad Furniture

Rare Dayton No. 230 Two-Light Railroad Car Center Lamp

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

Old Map of Montana – Railroads, Indian Reservations & Frontier Settlements 1888

1850s English Other Antique Railroad Furniture

Original Antique Print of the Baltimore-Washington Railroad, circa 1850

19th Century British Antique Railroad Furniture

Spectacular Monumental English Railroad Station Clock On Custom Iron Stand.

Late 19th Century American Antique Railroad Furniture

1888 Antique Map of Oregon – Railroads, Counties & Native Indian Reservations

1910s Dutch Art Deco Antique Railroad Furniture