High quality reproductions of antiques can be very valuable. However, original pieces are still considered far more precious and expensive. They are regarded as real investments in the field of antique collection. That is why all antique collectors, buyers, and dealers should be very knowledgeable in determining the difference between an original antique and an antique reproduction furniture piece. Below are some things that you ought to consider when assessing the furniture:
1. Examine the wood material used for the furniture. Most original antique furniture pieces use different wood materials for the various parts of the piece. Even if majority of the wood material is made of mahogany or oak wood, the other parts such as the bottom or back section can be made out of lesser quality or cheaper wood pieces. As for reproductions, they are often made from one wood that is heavily stained.
2. Antique furniture upholstery made during the 1900s and the earlier years are usually made out of horse hair and animal hide. If the upholstery is stuffed with synthetics, then it is probably a reproduction from the 1920s and beyond.
3. Check for signs of wear and tear. Usually, original antique furniture pieces will have signs of wear and tear and the end of the arm rests. Genuine signs of wear are inconsistent but logical. Watch out for antique reproduction furniture pieces that have been purposely distressed.
4. Look for signs of aging. These usually come in the form of cracks and uneven shades. Original antique piece will have cracks that indicate expansion or shrinkage of wood over time. In addition to that, they will have uneven color shades due to unequal exposure to the sunlight.
5. Examine the carvings. Most antique reproduction furniture pieces have smooth and symmetrical carvings primarily because they were made using machines. In contrast, original furniture pieces were hand carved so they are often bumpy, uneven, and irregular.
6. Examine the materials used for construction. The surfaces of the original furniture pieces are wide but uneven. They also make use of nails instead of screws and staples which were only created during the late nineteenth century. As for reproductions, they often use fiber board as well as narrow boards with evenly distributed width.
7. Take a closer look at the joints. Antique reproduction furniture will make use of wood glue while original antique pieces make use of dowels, mortise and tenon so as to ensure that the joints are firmly intertwined or joined together. If you can slip a piece of paper in the joints, it just means that the wood was not reinforced. GP
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