Furniture File
Antique Furniture: Reading the Invisible Surfaces
A secure initial examination file for the underside of drawers, back surfaces, joints, and intervention records.
Look Beyond the Front Face
In addition to the front face, document the back face, the underside of drawers, and the joints. Do not determine the age of the entire furniture piece from a single screw or type of connection; repairs may combine parts from different periods within the same work.
- Record dimensions and visible labels
- Observe veneer and body separately
- Note repairs and part replacements separately
Create a Comparison File
Compare the manufacturer, material, and date information of the furniture in museum catalogs. A similar appearance does not necessarily indicate the same workshop or period. Do not undertake interventions like sanding, varnish removal, or disassembly without expert assessment.
Questions & answers
Is old hardware proof of age?
Not by itself. The hardware may have been replaced or transferred from another piece of furniture.
Sources
[1] V&A — Furniture ↗A mark alone does not establish authenticity, an exact date or market value. Physical expert examination may be needed.