The foundation of antique furniture authentication begins with correctly identifying the wood. Every species carries anatomical traits—grain structure, pore arrangement, ray width, heartwood color, and growth patterns—that cannot be replicated by stain or surface finishing. By analyzing these internal characteristics, experts determine whether a piece aligns with the materials, regions, and workshop practices of the era it claims to represent.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 228 — The Science of Wood Identification in Antique Furniture provides a complete scientific framework for evaluating wood species, construction integrity, patina development, and age indicators. This guide explains how to interpret end grain under magnification, distinguish European vs American hardwoods, analyze oxidation patterns, identify veneers and secondary woods, and detect modern substitutions or artificially aged surfaces.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify wood species through grain structure, pore distribution, and cellular anatomy
Distinguish European vs American hardwoods used in 17th–19th century furniture
Analyze end grain under magnification for species-level accuracy
Detect modern wood substituted to fake antique age
Evaluate patina, oxidation, finish absorption, and natural color change
Identify veneers, secondary woods, and replaced structural components
Interpret ray structure, pore type, and ring patterns for precise identification
Recognize tool marks, saw patterns, and joinery traits from different eras
Detect chemical aging, ammonia coloration, and non-period finishes
Confirm originality of components using oxidation behavior in hidden areas
Volume 228 gives collectors, dealers, and estate professionals a museum-grade scientific approach to identifying wood in antique furniture—ensuring accurate authentication, defensible conclusions, and protection from misrepresented or composite pieces.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
The foundation of antique furniture authentication begins with correctly identifying the wood. Every species carries anatomical traits—grain structure, pore arrangement, ray width, heartwood color, and growth patterns—that cannot be replicated by stain or surface finishing. By analyzing these internal characteristics, experts determine whether a piece aligns with the materials, regions, and workshop practices of the era it claims to represent.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 228 — The Science of Wood Identification in Antique Furniture provides a complete scientific framework for evaluating wood species, construction integrity, patina development, and age indicators. This guide explains how to interpret end grain under magnification, distinguish European vs American hardwoods, analyze oxidation patterns, identify veneers and secondary woods, and detect modern substitutions or artificially aged surfaces.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify wood species through grain structure, pore distribution, and cellular anatomy
Distinguish European vs American hardwoods used in 17th–19th century furniture
Analyze end grain under magnification for species-level accuracy
Detect modern wood substituted to fake antique age
Evaluate patina, oxidation, finish absorption, and natural color change
Identify veneers, secondary woods, and replaced structural components
Interpret ray structure, pore type, and ring patterns for precise identification
Recognize tool marks, saw patterns, and joinery traits from different eras
Detect chemical aging, ammonia coloration, and non-period finishes
Confirm originality of components using oxidation behavior in hidden areas
Volume 228 gives collectors, dealers, and estate professionals a museum-grade scientific approach to identifying wood in antique furniture—ensuring accurate authentication, defensible conclusions, and protection from misrepresented or composite pieces.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
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