Oak or Chestnut? Identifying Similar Furniture Woods
Distinguish oak from sweet chestnut using medullary rays, end grain, ring porosity and construction rather than unreliable colour tests.
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Antique Dating Periods
31 published guides on repair, care and the stories behind well-made things.
Saw Marks as Evidence in Dating Antique Furniture
Learn how hand, pit, frame, circular and bandsaw marks can help date antique furniture while accounting for reused wood and later repairs.
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How to Check Provenance Without Overclaiming
Provenance is the documented chain of ownership, not a persuasive family story by itself. See what to verify and document before buying.
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A Guide to Veneer on Antique Furniture
Veneer is a thin decorative layer of desirable wood laid over a stable substrate. It allowed cabinetmakers to arrange figure, create symmetry and use scarc.
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Patina, Oxidation and Dirt: Know the Difference
Patina is the accumulated visual effect of ageing, use, light, oxidation, finish and maintenance.
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How to Identify Common Antique Furniture Finishes Before Cleaning
Recognise shellac, varnish, oil, wax, paint and fragile decorative surfaces before choosing any cleaning method.
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How to Identify Original and Replacement Hardware on Antique Furniture
Use holes, wear, finish, fixings and construction clues to assess whether antique furniture hardware is original or replaced.
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