American Antique Authenticity Guide

Old, original, untouched, period, authentic and valuable are different claims.

Classify the object before judging it

• Period object: made during the historical period claimed.
• Later revival: genuine object from a later period using an earlier style.
• Reproduction: later object intentionally copying a documented earlier form.
• Fantasy or decorator object: old-looking design without a period prototype or historical use.
• Composite or marriage: object assembled from parts that did not begin together.
• Restored or altered: period material changed by refinishing, repainting, replacement, repair, mounting, cutting, drilling, or reconstruction.

Demand whole-object consistency

Materials, construction, hardware, tooling, surface, dimensions, wear, marks, and provenance should support the same story. Contradictions matter more than one exciting clue.

Common warning signs

• Famous label or signature on construction inconsistent with the claimed maker.
• Identical wear repeated across edges, corners and recesses.
• Old boards around new machine joinery or new fasteners hidden under dirt.
• Fresh breaks, new glue, tinted fills, replacement feet, new bases, reset hardware, or modern backing.
• Seller language emphasizing “style,” “look,” or “estate” while avoiding production date and alterations.

Scientific and specialist tools

Ultraviolet light, microscopy, wood identification, alloy analysis, pigment testing, radiography and dendrochronology can answer limited questions. They should be interpreted by qualified specialists and never replace ordinary object examination.