How can you tell how old a wooden table is?

How can you tell how old a wooden table is?

Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.

How old are claw foot tables?

Claw foot tables became a common fixture in many European and American homes during the 18th and 19th centuries. From massive banquet tables to quaint candlestick tables, these tables can be found in a wide variety of sizes and styles.

What era is claw foot furniture?

In England, the ball-and-claw style of foot was used primarily during the Queen Anne period and faded in popularity as the Chippendale style came into vogue. In America, however, the ball-and-claw remained a popular decorative feature well into the 19th century.

What is the hardest wood for dining table?

Maple. Maple is one of the hardest wood types for furniture. It’s often used for heavy-use items like dressers and dining sets, as it can take a beating. Maple is more affordable than other hardwoods.

What style is claw foot furniture?

Chippendale style
Ball and Claw Foot Also known and claw-and-ball, this type of furniture foot looks similar to a bird’s claw clutching a ball. In Chippendale style furniture, they are often carved entirely of wood, but can also feature a metal claw and a glass ball. Ball and claw feet are still popular to this day.

How do you know the era of furniture?

How to Determine the Age of Antique Furniture

1. Look Past the Style of a Piece.
2. Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs.
3. Check for Perfectly Matching Elements.
4. Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used.
5. Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric.
6. Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware.

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time.

Is it ball and claw or claw-and-ball?

noun Furniture. a foot having the form of a bird’s claw grasping a ball. Also called claw-and-ball foot.

What is a makers mark on furniture?

A telltale sign of the furniture’s maker is a manufacturing tag, label or stamp bearing the name of the creator. Such a marking or label may have been placed inside a drawer on an old dresser, on the back of a chest of drawers, or on the underside of a chair or sofa seat.

How can you tell if something is an antique?

– Generally speaking, square nails and worm holes together in a piece of furniture would indicate an antique. But somebody could build a new piece with old nails, or use old wood with new nails, so look carefully.

How can you tell if furniture is Chippendale?

Legs and Feet: Some of the most defining characteristics of Chippendale furniture include legs and feet. Most Chippendale furnishings featured cabriole legs, where the knees curve outward and the ankles curve inward, often terminating to ornamental feet.

What kind of wood does an antique table look like?

Furniture values are regional and are predicted on original vs altered condition. The top looks like there are some condition issues, but it needs to be seen in person to see if those can be removed or repaired without harming the piece. They can confirm the wood also. Top looks like oak, but legs don’t.

How old is a Duncan Phyfe claw foot table?

The claw feet would generally date it to the 40’s but as Pghgirl stated it could be a later model just fashioned after the original Duncan Phyfe style. It is particularly nice because it has the double stand where the majority of these tables only have the center stand with 3 to 4 legs.

How can you tell the value of an antique table?

The dealer can help you to identify this table and tell you who actually made it. They will also know the real value of this item where you live. In some parts of the US, this time of furniture sells for quite a bit of money wherein other parts sell for almost nothing at all.

How tall are claw foot dining table legs?

Magical, meaningful items you can’t find anywhere else. Antique Victorian Solid Oak Table Legs with 3” Glass Balls and Metal Claw Feet. 28” Legs. SALE! Mahogany Dining Table , 54” split pedestal, claw foot base c1900

What kind of feet are used in antique furniture?

Ball & Claw Foot – Similar to ball feet, except the ball and claw feet have a claw carved to be holding the ball. This type of foot can be found on Chippendale pieces, and some antique furniture uses either glass or metal as the ball, with a timber claw attached.

What kind of feet are used on Chippendale furniture?

Introduced at the start of the 18th century, ball and claw designs can be found on Chippendale items, and this is one of the most common foot types that was used in many different eras.

What kind of furniture is an antique table?

Butler: Originating in the 18th century, this type of antique table was first used as a light and portable piece of furniture. It comes with a tray and folding stand. Console: Also known as a pier table, this is typically propped up against a wall. It is usually decorated with ornate designs.