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4 green Trunks, ca 1915
Located in Delft, NL
4 green Trunks, ca 1915 4 trunks from the 1st part of the 20th Century in green metal with wood
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Copper

Antique 4 green Trunks, ca 1915
4 green Trunks, ca 1915
H 18.9 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Pair Restored Vintage English Leather Trunks
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this pair of circa 1920s pair of leather and brass trunks have been
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Collection of 19th Century Hide and Leather Trunks
Located in New York, NY
Handsome collection of 19th century leather and hair on hide trunks and boxes with original
Category

1840s American Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Stacked Set of Five Antique Leather Suitcases or Trunks
Located in Redding, CT
Stacked Set of 5 Antique Leather Suitcases or Trunks. If these suitcases could talk. The stories
Category

19th Century American Classical Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Pair of Victorian Canvas and Leather Dome Top Travel Trunks
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A pair of Victorian canvas and leather dome top travel trunks The trunks are both lined and made
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wicker

Charming Set of 3 Victorian Artful Hand Decoupaged Storage Trunks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Set of 3 charming hand decoupaged storage chests or trunks with hinged lids, circa 1910. Imagery is
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

DECORATIVE PAIR OF RESTORED ANTiQUE LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM SUITCASE TRUNKS
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
pair of fully restored original Louis Vuitton Monogram Suitcase trunks Please note the delivery fee
Category

1910s French Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Pair of Japanese Lacquered Trunks or Tables on Custom Stands, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of lacquered trunks with iron hardware mounted on custom-made later stands. One trunk having
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

PAIR OF STUNNING ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920's ART DECO STEAMER LUGGAGE TRUNKS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
pair of vintage Art Deco circa 1920's Steamer travel trunks with period travel labels Please note the
Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Aluminum, Iron, Steel

Set of Three British 1920s Metal Traveling Trunks for Export with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
a rich sense of history and adventure. Crafted around the 1920s, these trunks served the voyages of
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Moynat Trunk, Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Hat Trunk, Moynat Luggage
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
l’Opéra in Paris in 1869, where the very first Moynat trunks were sold. And this was the beginning of a
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Moynat Trunk, Moynat Steamer Trunk, 100 cm Moynat Courrier Trunk, Moynat Luggage
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Avenue de l’Opéra in Paris in 1869, where the very first Moynat trunks were sold. And this was the
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

1920's Moynat Trunk In Orange Canvas, 75 cm Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
. Moynat first shop was opened at 1 Avenue de l’Opéra in Paris in 1869, where the very first Moynat trunks
Category

1910s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton Patinated Alzer Hard Case Vintage Luggage
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Orange Moynat Trunk, Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Luggage
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
the very first Moynat trunks were sold. And this was the beginning of a long story… Today, the House
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Steel

1920's Moynat Trunk In Beige Vellum, 100 cm Moynat Steamer Trunk, Moynat Trunk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
first Moynat trunks were sold. And this was the beginning of a long story… Today, the House of Moynat
Category

1920s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Camphor
Located in Austin, TX
and front. Campaign-era trunks and coffers were the travel items of British military officers who
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Blonde Chinese Hide Storage Trunk, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Minimalist Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Large British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Camphor
Located in Austin, TX
-era trunks and coffers were the travel items of British military officers who bought and commissioned
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass

A large classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, waterproof trunks, travelers used cumbersome wooden chests. Vuitton, recognizing a niche market, began
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

A large classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk
A large classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk
H 22.64 in W 39.38 in D 21.26 in
Louis Vuitton Leather Case, circa 1935
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
shop on Rue Neuve des Capucines, Paris, France in 1854 making trunks and travel accessories. Monsieur
Category

1830s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton Leather Case, circa 1935
Louis Vuitton Leather Case, circa 1935
H 8.25 in W 19.75 in D 15.25 in
Louis Vuitton Courrier Trunk in Damier Canvas 90 cm, Vuitton Steamer Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Vuitton trunk is one of the rarer Louis Vuitton trunks to be offered currently. Indeed , it
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique LOUIS VUITTON Leather Hardcase Suitcase – Early 20th Century
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Victoria, BC
vintage Louis Vuitton trunks. Key Features: Maker: Louis Vuitton, Paris Serial Number: 806445 Material
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Louis Vuitton Courrier Trunk in Damier Canvas 100 cm, Vuitton Steamer Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Vuitton trunk is one of the rarer Louis Vuitton trunks to be offered currently. Indeed , it
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Louis Vuitton Traveling Lap Desk 65
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
the company about cases or trunks they made. As per Louis Vuitton, this is a "Traveling Desk" with
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

1875 Large Antique Original Paint Hungarian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks in total, each one totally
Category

1870s Hungarian High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

Antique 20th Century Goyard Courier Trunk In Chevron Canvas, France c.1900
By Goyard
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
trunk maker which rivalled Louis Vuitton and the trunks it made at the time ooze the same quality and
Category

Early 1900s French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Rare 20Th Century Louis Vuitton Car Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France C.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very rare Louis Vuitton car trunk covered in the world famous monogram canvas. Car trunks were
Category

1910s French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Art Noveau Copper Bin
Located in Swadlincote, GB
of Birmingham). We have a large and ever changing selection of genuine good quality antique furniture
Category

19th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Copper

Art Noveau Copper Bin
Art Noveau Copper Bin
H 20 in W 15 in D 15 in
1875 Large Antique Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk + Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks
Category

1870s European High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

Blonde Chinese Hide Storage Trunk, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Blonde Chinese Hide Storage Trunk, C. 1800
Blonde Chinese Hide Storage Trunk, C. 1800
H 14.5 in W 33.5 in D 22.5 in
20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
design, both decorative and useful. A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born
Category

1910s French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
design, both decorative and useful. A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born
Category

1910s French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood

20th Century Louis Vuitton Courier Trunk In Monogram Canvas, France c.1910
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
design, both decorative and useful. A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born
Category

1910s French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood

Trunk. Wood, leather, iron. Spanish school, around 1700.
Located in Madrid, ES
trunks were known as “travel trunks” because they were normally used to store objects on trips, hence the
Category

18th Century Spanish Neoclassical Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Other

Rare Large Colonial British Raj All Leather Military Campaign Chest Stamped
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
suppliers to the British Military stationed in the Subcontinent of boots, trunks, saddlery and harnesses
Category

1880s British Indian Ocean Territory Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Antique early-20th Century Black Goyard hat trunk French Circa 1920's
By Goyard
Located in London, GB
Ladies’ hat trunk. Hat trunks are very high in demand because of their cubic shape, that makes them
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

PAIR OF ANTIQUE VICTORIAN WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF SKINNERS PAiR OF CAMPAIGN CHESTS
By Skinner
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
exact price A very good looking and well made pair of steamer trunks, they are pretty much untouched
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Antique Chinese Carved Camphor wood Trunk Coffer 20th Century
Located in London, GB
the manufacture of travelling trunks as the wonderful scent given off by the wood discouraged insects
Category

1920s Chinese Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Antique Korean Tansu Bandaji Storage Chest
Located in Chicago, IL
iron hardware. Stunning piece of furniture that dates back to the early 1900s. Historically significant
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Chinese Export Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Stunning circa 1900 Antique Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks in total, each one totally
Category

Early 1900s European Late Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

17th Century Leather and Brass Fleur De Lys Malle Trunk from Avignon, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Trunks are one of the oldest types of furniture in existence today. They date back many centuries
Category

17th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Baroque Chest
Located in Wilton, CT
strapwork and handles. It is a handsome example of immigrant trunks that were made in Germany from the 1600
Category

18th Century German Baroque Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

18th Century Baroque Chest
18th Century Baroque Chest
H 28 in W 48 in D 23.75 in
Antique Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk Church Painting
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks
Category

Early 1900s Romanian Late Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

Circa 1880 Antique Original Paint Campaign Handle Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks in total, each one totally
Category

1880s Romanian High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

Antique 1880 Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk Church Painting
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks
Category

1880s European High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

circa 1900 Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk Children Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15
Category

Early 1900s European High Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

circa 1800 Extra Large Antique Original Paint German Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and
Category

Early 1800s European George III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

Extra Large Antique Original Paint European Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk c. 1800
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and
Category

Early 1800s European George III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

1901 Dated Love Heart Antique Original Paint Romanian Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

1802 Dated Huge Antique Original Paint European Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes and trunks, I have around 15 wardrobes and 20 trunks
Category

Early 1800s European George III Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine

19th Century French Wardrobe Luggage Trunk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
French furniture, fine art, silver, porcelain, lighting, and all appropriate decorative accessories. You
Category

19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century French Wardrobe Luggage Trunk
19th Century French Wardrobe Luggage Trunk
H 15.5 in W 39.75 in D 22.5 in
Edwardian English Leather & Brass Suitcase by Army & Navy CSL London Circa 1910
By Army & Navy CSL
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edwardian English Leather & Brass Suitcase by Army & Navy CSL, London, Early 20th Century Description: A handsome and historically rich early 20th-century English leather suitcase b...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Charf, French patented safe – Marseille – 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
"CHARF, FRENCH PATENTED SAFE – MARSEILLE – 19TH CENTURY" Impressive and rare early 19th-century French safe, manufactured in Marseille by CHARF BREVETÉ, renowned for its quality craf...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

20th Century French Louis Vuitton Trunk in Monogrammed Canvas
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
LOUIS VUITTON Monogram canvas cabin trunk with stencil, circa 1920. It has dark brown Lozine borders, brass central, brass central lock side locks, handles, and painted metal corne...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Canvas

Odiot French Empire Silver-Gilt Traveling Dressing Case
By Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Empire Silver-Gilt Traveling Dressing Case Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot Circa 1835 This exceptional silver-gilt nécessaire de voyage represents the pinnacle of French silversmi...
Category

19th Century French Regency Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Vermeil

American Brass Mounted Steamer Trunk
Located in Astoria, NY
American Brass Mounted and Canvas Covered Wood Steamer Trunk, marked "Eagle Lock Co. / Terryville, Conn." to lock. 21.75" H x 32.5" W x 20" D. Provenance: From a New York City Estate.
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

American Brass Mounted Steamer Trunk
American Brass Mounted Steamer Trunk
H 21.75 in W 32.5 in D 20 in
Anglo-Indian 1880s Teak and Brass Trunk with Multiple Storage Compartments
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Anglo-Indian teak trunk from the late 19th century, with multiple storage compartments and brass accents. Born in the later years of the 19th century, this exquisite teak wood tru...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Goyard Trunk A Rare Early 20th Century Steamer or Wardrobe Trunk by Goyard
By Goyard
Located in Benington, Herts
trunks by Goyard were made in a variety of sizes with this particular configuration being amongst the
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Antique Suitcase Overseas Travel Case
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Antique Suitcase Overseas Travel Case in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Category

1880s Slovak Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

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Antique Furniture Trunks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique furniture trunks is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique furniture trunks — often made from wood, metal and animal skin — can elevate any home. Antique furniture trunks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique furniture trunks made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique furniture trunks have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Louis Vuitton, Goyard and Hartmann Trunk Company are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Trunks-luggage for You

Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home.

There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique steamer trunks — named for their use on steamships — mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city.

In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.

Even if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.

From Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Furniture Trunks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    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
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019

    The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    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.

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