Buying an Antique Armchair: Comfort, Condition and Authenticity
Buy an antique armchair by checking frame joints, seat rails, arms, upholstery history, dimensions, comfort, alterations and safe use.
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Buying Guides
63 published guides on repair, care and the stories behind well-made things.
Buying an Antique Card Table
Buy an antique card table by examining fold-over or rotating mechanisms, playing surfaces, wells, supports, storage, repairs and later conversions.
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Buying a Set of Antique Dining Chairs
Buy a set of antique dining chairs by comparing construction, templates, numbering, upholstery, repairs, stability and safe practical dimensions.
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Buying an Antique Windsor Chair: Construction and Condition
Buy an antique Windsor chair by examining socketed construction, seat, wedges, turnings, paint, regional evidence, repairs and safe use.
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Buying an Antique Sideboard: Form, Condition and Use
Buy an antique sideboard by checking form, storage fittings, top, back, pedestals, hardware, alterations, loading and practical room use.
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Buying an Antique Partners' Desk: Authenticity and Practicality
Buy an antique partners’ desk by checking whether both sides truly function, how sections fit, drawer construction, leather, alterations, access and working height.
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Buying an Antique Rocking Chair: Safety and Identification
Buy an antique rocking chair by checking rocker geometry, frame joints, upholstery, replacement parts, balance, stability and floor compatibility.
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Buying an Antique Writing Desk: What to Check
Buy an antique writing desk by checking form, falls, supports, drawers, mechanisms, leather, locks, marriages, working dimensions and access.
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Buying an Antique Blanket Chest or Coffer
Buy an antique blanket chest or coffer by checking boarded or joined construction, lid, hinges, lock, feet, paint, conversions and safe use.
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Buying an Antique Chest of Drawers: A Practical Checklist
Buy an antique chest of drawers by checking carcase, drawers, feet, handles, surface, marriages, repairs, dimensions and safe daily function.
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Buying an Antique Dining Table: Size, Construction and Condition
Buy an antique dining table by checking size, access, leaf system, underframe, top movement, extensions, repairs and comfortable seating capacity.
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The Antique Display Cabinet Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Buy
Inspect glazing, shelves, locks, stability, lining and restoration before buying an antique display cabinet.
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