Introduction
Antique furniture is defined as being at least 100 years old. It is usually made from a range of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass, and it often has ornate carvings, inlays, and other decorative details. The feet of antique furniture are often one of the most telling features when it comes to determining its age and origin. By examining the type of feet, looking for maker’s marks, considering the overall style, comparing to other pieces, researching period styles, investigating construction techniques, and consulting an expert, you can get a better idea of when your piece of furniture was made.
Identify the Type of Feet
The first step in dating antique furniture is to examine the feet. Different types of feet were used throughout different time periods, so this can help you narrow down when your piece may have been made. Look for any distinguishing characteristics that may give you clues about the time period. Are the feet carved with intricate designs or are they plain and simple? Do they have a certain shape, such as ball-and-claw, cabriole, or bun?
There are several types of feet commonly found on antique furniture: claw and ball feet, cabriole legs, bun feet, and spade feet. Claw and ball feet are curved and have a “ball” at the end, which is usually decorated with a carved design. Cabriole legs have a curved shape and usually have a paw or “claw” at the bottom. Bun feet are rounded and have a flat base, while spade feet are straight and have a pointed tip.
Check for Maker’s Marks
Look underneath the furniture for any maker’s marks or stamps that may help you narrow down when it was made. Many makers in the past stamped their name onto the furniture to show who created it. If you find a mark, look it up online to see if you can find out more information. You may be able to find out when the maker was in business, which can help you determine when your piece of furniture was made.
Look at the Overall Style
Consider the overall style of the furniture to get an idea of the era it may have been made in. Different styles were popular during different time periods, so this can be a helpful clue. For example, Chippendale furniture was popular during the 18th century, while Queen Anne furniture was popular during the 17th century. Look at the shape of the furniture, the type of wood used, and any other decorative details to help you determine the style.
Compare to Other Examples
Find similar pieces from the same time period and use those pieces to compare with yours. This can help you get a better idea of when your piece was made. Compare the style, construction techniques, and other details to the examples you find to see if there are any similarities. This can help you narrow down the time frame even further.
Research Period Styles
Research furniture styles from different periods to get a better understanding of how styles evolved over time. This can help you identify when your piece was made. Pay attention to any changes in the style of furniture, such as the shape of the legs, the type of wood used, or the type of carving used. These subtle changes can make all the difference when it comes to dating a piece of furniture.
Investigate Construction Techniques
Take note of the construction techniques used in the piece and use these techniques to get an idea of when it may have been made. Some techniques, such as dovetailing, were used more frequently in certain time periods than others. If you can identify the techniques used, it can help you narrow down the time frame.
Consult an Expert
If you are still unsure of when your piece of furniture was made, seek out an expert who can help you date it more accurately. An expert can look at the furniture and provide you with an estimate of when it was made based on their expertise. They may also be able to tell you more about the history of the piece, such as where it was made and who the maker was.
Conclusion
Dating antique furniture can be a tricky task, but if you take the time to examine the feet, look for maker’s marks, consider the overall style, compare to other examples, research period styles, investigate construction techniques, and consult an expert, you can get a better idea of when your piece of furniture was made. With patience and perseverance, you can gain a better understanding of the age and origin of your antique furniture.
