How do I spot a genuine 17th century cupboard?

Examine the timber shrinkage, tool marks, and construction methods used inside the carcass and on the backboards. Hand-split panels and pegged mortise and tenon joints indicate period work rather than later machine production. Compare the patination and wear patterns around handles and hinges with the overall style of the carving. Revival pieces from later centuries often employ softer proportions and machine-cut timber components.

Were these cupboards used in the kitchen?

Many early cupboards served utility roles in great halls or kitchens for storing provisions, trenchers, and metalware. Larger court cupboards functioned primarily to display wealth and hospitality through plate. Smaller sideboards and hutches held domestic items close to hand in living quarters. Over time, changing domestic habits moved these heavy storage pieces into dining rooms and parlours.

How do I care for antique oak furniture?

Feed the dry timber occasionally with a traditional beeswax polish to maintain the surface sheen and protect the grain. Avoid placing heavy cupboards near direct heat sources or in fluctuating humidity. Clean surfaces gently with a soft, dry cloth without using modern silicone sprays or harsh chemical cleaners. This preserves the natural patination built up over centuries.