How do I clean antique glass and mahogany?

Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the mahogany surfaces without stripping the polish. Clean the glass panels gently with a mild glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the timber. Avoid placing these items in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as fluctuations in temperature can affect both the wood and the old glazing putty.

Can I adjust the shelves in an antique bookcase?

Most antique bookcases and display cabinets feature fixed wooden shelves or simple fixed support ledges rather than modern adjustable metal tracks. Altering the interior layout is rarely recommended because it alters the original structure of the piece. When planning what to store inside, check the fixed shelf heights against your books or collections to ensure a proper fit before purchase.

How do I identify a Georgian mirror from a Victorian revival?

Georgian mirrors often exhibit lighter construction, hand-beveled or thinner plate glass, and specific fretwork patterns associated with 18th-century cabinetmaking manuals. The backing boards and fixings usually show age-appropriate wear and handmade screw types. Victorian and later revival pieces tend to be heavier, utilising machine-rolled glass and standardised hardware while copying earlier Chippendale or Sheraton styles.