How to Read Antique Description Terms

Antique descriptions use compact terms to express confidence, uncertainty and relationships to makers or periods. Small differences in wording can have large implications, so ask the seller or auction house to define its terminology.

Maker and artist wording

Common formulations include:

By: presented as the work of the named maker or artist
Attributed to: believed to be by the named person, but not stated with full certainty
Workshop of: made in the named workshop, possibly by assistants
Circle of: associated with the person's time and influence
Follower of: made by someone working in the named person's manner
Style of or manner of: resembles the style and may be much later
After: derived from another design or work

Definitions vary between businesses and categories. Read the catalogue glossary and ask what the seller guarantees.

Date wording

"Circa" means approximately, not an exact year. A broad period such as "late 19th century" expresses less precision than a documented date. "George III style" describes appearance and does not necessarily mean the object was made during that reign.

Materials and techniques

Learn terms such as veneer, marquetry, parquetry, ormolu, japanning, gilding and patination. [Christie's A-Z furniture guide](https://www.christies.com/en/stories/the-a-z-of-furniture-terminology-to-know-when-buyi-1fbb9ee1cdc74283a431827eef126f92) provides examples.

Ask whether a material description refers to the whole object or only its visible surface. A "mahogany chest" may contain oak, pine or another secondary wood in its carcass and drawers.

Restoration wording

"Restored," "repaired," "adapted," "reduced," "later," "replacement" and "associated" describe different changes. "Associated" components may be old but not originally together. A "marriage" usually means separate elements have been combined.

Ask for locations, extent, date and quality of restoration. The [AAADA code](https://aaada.org.au/about/code-dealers/) expects major restoration and later additions to be disclosed.

Provenance and history

A named collection should be supported by records linking the exact object to that owner. "By descent" needs a documented family chain. "Property from" may identify a consignor without proving long ownership.

Condition qualifiers

"Commensurate with age" does not identify defects. "Minor losses" and "some restoration" are subjective. Request measurements, photographs and a written condition report.

Put claims on the invoice

Ensure that the maker, approximate date, material, major restoration and provenance you relied upon appear in the written sale description. Codes published by [CINOA](https://www.cinoa.org/about/code-of-ethics/), AAADA and LAPADA promote accurate professional descriptions and responsible dealing.

A useful method is to underline factual claims, circle qualifiers, list what is missing, request evidence, and compare the final invoice with the listing. Preserve the seller's exact attribution rather than upgrading uncertainty into certainty in your own records.

For restoration demonstrations and workshop stories, [watch and subscribe to Antique Repair Shop on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).

Sources and further reading

[Christie's: A-Z of furniture terminology](https://www.christies.com/en/stories/the-a-z-of-furniture-terminology-to-know-when-buyi-1fbb9ee1cdc74283a431827eef126f92)
[AAADA: Dealer Code of Practice](https://aaada.org.au/about/code-dealers/)
[CINOA: Code of Ethics](https://www.cinoa.org/about/code-of-ethics/)

How to Read Antique Description Terms Before You Buy