Antique or Reproduction Checklist
Record furniture construction, marks, wear and provenance without damaging the piece. This guided worksheet organizes conflicting clues and missing evidence for an appraiser; it does not assign an age, price or authenticity score.
Complete the observations to prepare a useful record and next checks.
Start with the complete object
Photograph the whole piece, back, underside, drawer interiors and any labels. Record dimensions separately. Look at the construction in context rather than dating an object from a single screw, joint or scratch.
Separate original construction from repairs
Different hardware or a newer-looking panel may be a repair. Conversely, aged components can be reused in a later piece. The worksheet keeps these observations separate so a replaced part does not automatically determine the age of the furniture.
Document marks and provenance
Transcribe labels exactly and keep copies of receipts or earlier photographs. A family account is useful context but is not the same as documented ownership. A recognizable style alone does not establish its production date.
Preserve evidence before seeking an opinion
Avoid stripping finishes, sanding, scraping or removing fasteners to complete this checklist. Leave inaccessible details as unknown. A furniture conservator or qualified appraiser can inspect materials, alterations and documentary evidence together.
References
Related free tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the result tell me the furniture is antique?
No. It produces an observation summary and next checks. It cannot date or authenticate furniture.
Are handmade joints proof of age?
No. Construction methods can persist or be deliberately reproduced. Several independent observations need professional interpretation.
Should I clean the piece first?
Do not strip, sand or use solvents to expose a mark. Photograph its current condition and ask a conservator before treatment.
Can a reproduction still be valuable?
Potentially, but this worksheet does not estimate value. Maker, quality, condition and the market require separate assessment.
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