Antique Reproduction Lanterns

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.

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.

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.