Interactive search

American Antique Finder

Build a focused marketplace search from object, region, period, material, and maker evidence.

Build a more useful search

Start by adding a specific object and one strong identification clue. Too many speculative keywords can hide the correct comparison examples.

Search first for an object and maker, then refine by region or known material.
Treat an online search as a discovery tool, not a determination of authenticity.
Inspect multiple listings for original surfaces, alterations and missing components.

Continue your research

Compare collectible examples on eBay

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay purchases. Listings are seller claims, not authentication, condition verification, or evidence of a completed sale.

Ohio art pottery ↗American primitive furniture ↗American antique quilts ↗

How to identify an antique using the finder

Start with observable evidence: material, dimensions, construction and marks. A listing title can be a useful research lead, but should never determine attribution by itself.

Photograph the entire object, its underside, joins, maker marks and any labels before cleaning it.

Record the mark exactly as it appears, including punctuation and surrounding symbols.

Compare several documented examples rather than choosing the first similar image.

Separate a maker attribution from an estimated date and an estimated market value; each needs different evidence.