Handmade dovetails almost always indicate a piece made before 1860. 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.

What does dovetail furniture mean?

Dovetail refers to a type of joint in which two pieces of wood interlock. Joints that have been dovetailed are extremely strong and secure. They are usually used to construct drawers. Dovetail drawers are recognized by their distinct pattern at the outside corner of a drawer.

What designates antique furniture?

It is a term that is loosely used to describe a previously owned piece of furniture; however for a piece to be considered “VINTAGE” it must be between 30 to 100 years old. Furniture that is at least 100 years old is classified as “ANTIQUE”. Any piece that is circa 1990s to present is just simply used furniture.

At what age is furniture considered antique?

100 years old Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means, as of the date of this posting, an antique item was made on or before April of 1918. Items over 300 years of age generally fall into one of two categories depending upon whether they are manmade creations or natural finds.

What is the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

In the strictest sense, the difference between an antique and a vintage item is its age. Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means, as of the date of this posting, an antique item was made on or before April of 1918. Vintage items are not as old as antiques.