How to Identify Real Antiques

Identifying real antiques takes more than guessing — it requires attention to materials, craftsmanship, and authentic signs of age. From hand-cut joints and period hardware to natural patina and maker’s marks, genuine antiques reveal clues that reproductions often miss. Use this guide to learn what to look for, how to avoid fakes, and how to shop with confidence in New York City and beyond.

Materials & Construction Clues

One of the most reliable ways to identify a real antique is by closely examining the materials and construction techniques used. Older pieces were crafted by hand, long before modern machinery and synthetic materials became common. These details often reveal age, origin, and authenticity.

Look for solid wood construction rather than particle board or plywood. Early furniture makers relied on hardwoods such as oak, walnut, mahogany, and cherry. Hand-cut dovetail joints are another strong indicator of age — they tend to be irregular and asymmetrical, unlike the perfectly uniform joints produced by machines.

• Solid hardwood instead of veneer over particle board
• Hand-cut dovetail joints with uneven spacing
• Wood pegs or square nails rather than modern screws
• Tool marks visible on hidden surfaces
• Natural materials such as brass, iron, glass, and porcelain

These construction clues are especially helpful when examining furniture, storage pieces, and wooden collectibles. As you explore antique shops and markets throughout New York City, taking time to inspect these details can help you confidently separate genuine antiques from later reproductions.

Maker’s Marks, Labels & Provenance

One of the most reliable ways to authenticate an antique is by identifying maker’s marks, labels, stamps, or documented ownership history known as provenance. These details help establish the age, origin, and value of an item.

Maker’s marks may appear as engraved signatures, stamped symbols, factory labels, or impressed numbers. On furniture, they are often found inside drawers, underneath tabletops, or on the back of pieces. Ceramics, silver, and glass frequently display marks on the base or underside.

• Handwritten or engraved maker’s signatures
• Paper or metal manufacturer labels
• Silver hallmarks indicating purity and origin
• Pottery or porcelain factory stamps
• Serial numbers or registry marks

Provenance adds another layer of authenticity. Original sales receipts, auction records, family histories, or documented ownership by notable individuals can significantly increase an antique’s credibility and value. Even partial provenance may help confirm age and origin.

Always cross-reference marks using reputable reference books, museum databases, or trusted antique guides. Be aware that reproductions may include fake marks, so verification is essential before making a purchase.

Reproductions, Fakes & Buying Smart

Not every old-looking item is an antique. Reproductions and deliberate fakes are common in today’s market, and learning how to spot them is essential for collectors and first-time buyers alike.

Reproductions are often mass-produced using modern tools and materials, even when designed to resemble 18th- or 19th-century styles. Uniform wear, machine-cut joints, artificial aging, and incorrect materials are strong indicators that a piece may not be authentic.

• Perfect symmetry or overly consistent wear patterns
• Modern screws, nails, or machine-cut joints
• Artificial distressing or chemical aging
• Incorrect materials for the claimed period
• Fake or misleading maker’s marks

Buying smart means asking questions, requesting documentation, and working with reputable dealers. Established antique dealers and auction houses stand behind their items and provide transparency regarding age, condition, and origin.

When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or antique specialist before making a significant purchase. Knowledge, patience, and careful research are the best tools for identifying true antiques and building a collection that holds lasting value.

A well-informed buyer is the best defense against costly mistakes.