Understanding Wood Aging

Identifying the age of wooden furniture involves examining its materials, construction techniques, and wear patterns. This introductory slide sets the stage for a deeper understanding of wood aging characteristics.

Different design styles can indicate the era of furniture. For example, Baroque styles suggest 17th-century origins, while Mid-Century Modern can pinpoint the 1950s to 1960s. Recognizing these styles is crucial for age approximation.

Joinery techniques have evolved over time. Dovetail joints were hand-cut before the 19th century and machine-cut thereafter. Studying these details can reveal a piece's age more accurately than surface wear or patina.

Older wood furniture often bears saw marks. Up until the 1800s, irregular, angled marks from hand saws are common, while circular saws left more uniform marks in later pieces. These indicators help date the furniture.

Hand-forged nails, screws with off-center slots, and non-uniform hardware can signal pre-19th-century furniture. Later pieces have more standardized, machine-made hardware, providing a clear timeline of the furniture's creation.

Early furniture finishes were oil-based, later replaced by shellac, and then by lacquer in the 20th century. A piece's patina, or surface wear, can also hint at its age, revealing years of human interaction.

Investigating a piece's provenance—its history of ownership—can be very telling. Receipts, manufacturer's marks, or even family records can authenticate the age and origin of wooden furniture unequivocally.