Antique Furniture Feet: A Recognition Guide
Bracket, bun, ball, cabriole, claw-and-ball, spade and turned feet contribute to style and function. Inspect how each foot joins the carcase or leg, and co
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Identification Guides
58 published guides on repair, care and the stories behind well-made things.
What Drawer Linings Can Reveal
Drawer sides, bottoms and backs are less visible than show surfaces and may preserve useful construction evidence. Note timber, grain direction, bottom gro
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How to Read Bronze and Brass Patina
Copper-alloy surfaces may be naturally oxidised, chemically patinated, lacquered, gilded or repeatedly polished. Compare recesses, high points and protecte
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Antique Furniture Locks and Keys Explained
Locks can reveal quality, function and alteration through their cases, bolts, screws and keyholes. Compare lock position with veneer shadows and old fixing
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How to Recognise Later Gilding and Re-Gilding
Gilded surfaces often contain original leaf, old repairs, toning and later regilding in the same object. Use magnification and raking light to find layer e
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Pontil Marks on Antique Glass Explained
A pontil mark is evidence from supporting a hot glass object during finishing, often visible on the base. Marks may be rough, ground, polished or incorpora
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How to Identify Common Decorative Stones in Furniture
Marble, slate, limestone, alabaster and engineered substitutes appear in table tops, cabinets and ornaments. Observe translucency, veining, grain, hardness
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Pewter Marks and Touches Explained
Pewterers used touchmarks, labels, capacity marks and ownership initials, with systems varying by region. Photograph marks in raking light and record exact
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How to Recognise Chippendale-Style Furniture
Understand Chippendale design vocabulary and why style, construction and documented workshop evidence must be assessed separately.
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How to Recognise Hepplewhite-Style Furniture
Identify Hepplewhite design influence through light Neoclassical forms, chair backs, tapered legs and documented construction.
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How to Recognise Sheraton-Style Furniture
Recognise Sheraton design influence through rectilinear Neoclassical forms, tapered legs, inlay and pattern-book evidence.
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How to Recognise Arts and Crafts Antiques
Identify Arts and Crafts furniture and objects through materials, construction, medieval influence and nature-based design.
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