How to Identify Antique Tables

If you love antiques and have collected a few pieces over the years, you may know a lot about pieces of furniture, such as tables. If not, you should learn more about the subject. Although many antique dealers would like you to think every table in their shop is a rare find, some may be clever reproductions or not true antiques. Knowing what to look for in an antique table can help you separate the real from the fake and give you better information with which to hunt for antiques.

Instructions

1

Examine the table carefully. Look for signs of usage. An antique table has probably been passed down through several generations, and although some may be well-cared for, they should not be in perfect condition. Nicks, scuffs and cracked wood are all part of the charm of a true antique piece.

2

Look at the boards that make up the table. Because no machines were used to make antique tables, some of the boards may be irregular but look fine to the unpracticed eye.

3

Remove the drawers from the table. Many antique dining room and side tables had drawers for linens and silver. Look at the back of the drawers and the way they are joined. Antique drawers will have dovetail joints, rather than machine-cut straight joints that are nailed and screwed together.

4

Examine the legs with an antique table leg guide. You can identify an antique piece's originals and style by looking at the legs. A good guide will give you the name of the style, along with a general date that the style was popular.

5

Have the table appraised by an antiques dealer who has nothing to do with the transaction for an honest, unbiased opinion. You can have the dealer look at the table in person, or if he lives farther away, take a good quality, digital picture of the piece and e-mail it. He can tell you more about the piece and whether or not it is a true antique table.