|
|
Antiques and Reproductions: Can You Tell the Difference?
Upholstery stuffing.
Up until late early 20th century, horsehair and hay were used to stuff upholstered furniture. Synthetics such as foam were introduced around 1920s. Keep in mind that the horsehair or hay may have been replaced in an antique during an earlier reupholstering. It's not necessarily bad, it's just no longer in original condition.
Signs of wear.
Do the signs of wear make sense? An antique chair will show increased signs of wear at the end of the arms where the hands would naturally rest more so than underneath the arm. If the wear is consistent through the piece, it's likely a reproduction that has been distressed to appear old.
Signs of age.
Look for signs of cracks caused by shrinkage.
|
|
