Spotting the Pitfalls When Buying Antique Furniture
There is nothing quite like the thrill of finding that perfect antique piece, a stunning Georgian chest of drawers, a handsome Victorian library table, or a unique dresser that feels like it was made just for your home.
But let’s be honest. While the world of antiques is full of treasures, it’s also, unfortunately, full of potential traps. As experts who live and breathe antique furniture, we want you to feel confident in your choices.
The good news is that most scams and pitfalls can be avoided with a bit of knowledge and a dose of healthy scepticism. Here is our essential guide to buying antique furniture safely, highlighting the potential dangers and what to look out for.
The ‘Marriage’, Or, Frankenstein Furniture
One of the most common pitfalls when buying antique furniture is falling for a "marriage." No, we don't mean a happy union! In the antiques world, a marriage refers to a piece of furniture that has been assembled from parts of two or more different period items.
For instance, a handsome 19th-century bookcase might be topped with a completely unrelated 20th-century cornice, or a period chest of drawers might have had its original feet replaced with modern ones.
How to spot it
Check the colour match: Look closely at the colour and patina of the wood across different sections. If the top and bottom sections of a cupboard don’t match perfectly, or if the joins look suspiciously new, it’s probably a marriage.
Examine the scale: Does the top section look disproportionately large or small compared to the base? Original pieces are almost always harmoniously designed.
Look inside the drawers: Drawers should generally be constructed in a consistent style throughout the piece. If one drawer uses dovetail joints and another uses basic butt joints, you’ve got a problem.
The Hidden Killer. Woodworm and Structural Damage
Antiques are old, and age brings wear and tear. A piece might look structurally sound until you try to move it, or worse, until it brings down the contents of a shelf.
Woodworm: This is a serious threat. A few tiny holes might be old, dormant damage, but look out for a fine, sawdust-like powder (frass) beneath the holes. This is a sign of an active infestation that can spread to other wooden items in your home. Never buy an item that is actively infested without having a professional fumigate or treat it first.
Wobbly Joints: Give the furniture a gentle wobble. If it feels rickety, it might need costly restoration work. Repaired joints are fine, but look out for modern screws or brackets used to hold failing traditional joints together.
The Great Provenance Scam
Provenance refers to the history of ownership for an item, often including juicy details like "This was owned by a minor Duke" or "It came from a manor house in the Cotswolds." A good story can definitely add value, but only if it’s true.
Some less-than-honest sellers use vague, often uncheckable stories to dramatically inflate the price of an otherwise ordinary piece.
How to avoid getting fooled
Ask for Paperwork: If the provenance is genuine and important, the seller should have documentation, such as old sales receipts, estate inventories, or photographs. If the story is purely verbal, take it with a huge pinch of salt.
Focus on the Object: Always value the quality and condition of the furniture itself over the romantic story attached to it. Does the piece justify the price without the tale?
Buying Sight Unseen (Especially Online)
The internet has opened up the antique market globally, but it also creates distance between you and the product, making inspection difficult. This is where most scams happen.
Poor Photos: If a seller only provides a couple of grainy, dimly lit photos, walk away. They are likely trying to hide something, be it damage, repairs, or faked signs of age.
Check for Detail Shots: Good sellers will provide close-ups of joints, drawer runners, makers’ marks, and the underside of the piece. If you can’t see these, ask for them. A reputable dealer will be happy to comply.
The Return Policy: Never buy a high-value piece online without a clear, reasonable return policy. If the item arrives and is significantly 'not as described', you need a clear route to send it back.
The Safest Way to Buy
The best defence against scams is always buying from a reputable, established dealer.
A trustworthy antiques dealer has done the hard work for you. We have spent years studying periods, materials, and construction techniques, and we guarantee the authenticity of our pieces. We check for active woodworm, ensure the structural integrity, and provide honest, documented history for every piece we sell.
The moral of the story? Knowledge is power. Take your time, inspect every inch of a piece, and if you’re ever unsure, ask a professional! Happy hunting!
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