Early American furniture (circa 1650–1840) is one of the most historically significant and complex categories in the antiques market. Authentic examples display period-correct joinery, regional wood selection, hand-tool signatures, early hardware, natural oxidation, and construction logic consistent with the era. Because pieces are often repaired, refinished, restored, or reproduced—sometimes with great skill—accurate appraisal requires a forensic, step-by-step evaluation of materials and craftsmanship.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 415 — How to Appraise Early American Furniture (Joinery, Saws, Nails & Woods) provides the full professional methodology used by appraisers, estate specialists, dealers, restorers, and museums to authenticate and value 17th–19th century American furniture.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify hand-cut vs. machine-cut dovetails and period-correct joinery
Distinguish hand-sawn, up-and-down-sawn & circular-sawn lumber by tool marks
Recognize wrought, cut, and wire nails and date construction accordingly
Identify American hardwoods & regional wood-use patterns
Evaluate patina depth, oxidation behavior & surface history
Distinguish original surfaces from refinishing or chemical stripping
Assess drawer construction, dovetail spacing & wear patterns
Authenticate screws, hinges, locks & brass hardware
Identify regional furniture characteristics (New England, Philadelphia, Southern, Shaker)
Detect marriages, component replacements, and hybrid constructions
Evaluate craftsmanship quality, integrity, rarity & market desirability
Determine accurate fair-market value and collector value
Know when a piece requires full professional appraisal or hands-on evaluation
Whether examining a New England chest, a Philadelphia highboy, a Southern sideboard, or Shaker casework, this guide provides the complete forensic framework required to authenticate and accurately appraise early American furniture.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
Early American furniture (circa 1650–1840) is one of the most historically significant and complex categories in the antiques market. Authentic examples display period-correct joinery, regional wood selection, hand-tool signatures, early hardware, natural oxidation, and construction logic consistent with the era. Because pieces are often repaired, refinished, restored, or reproduced—sometimes with great skill—accurate appraisal requires a forensic, step-by-step evaluation of materials and craftsmanship.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 415 — How to Appraise Early American Furniture (Joinery, Saws, Nails & Woods) provides the full professional methodology used by appraisers, estate specialists, dealers, restorers, and museums to authenticate and value 17th–19th century American furniture.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify hand-cut vs. machine-cut dovetails and period-correct joinery
Distinguish hand-sawn, up-and-down-sawn & circular-sawn lumber by tool marks
Recognize wrought, cut, and wire nails and date construction accordingly
Identify American hardwoods & regional wood-use patterns
Evaluate patina depth, oxidation behavior & surface history
Distinguish original surfaces from refinishing or chemical stripping
Assess drawer construction, dovetail spacing & wear patterns
Authenticate screws, hinges, locks & brass hardware
Identify regional furniture characteristics (New England, Philadelphia, Southern, Shaker)
Detect marriages, component replacements, and hybrid constructions
Evaluate craftsmanship quality, integrity, rarity & market desirability
Determine accurate fair-market value and collector value
Know when a piece requires full professional appraisal or hands-on evaluation
Whether examining a New England chest, a Philadelphia highboy, a Southern sideboard, or Shaker casework, this guide provides the complete forensic framework required to authenticate and accurately appraise early American furniture.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
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