How do I date a chest of drawers?

Dating relies on observing a combination of timber selection, construction methods, and hardware styles. Early pieces often feature oak linings and hand-cut dovetails, while specific shapes like the bow front or serpentine outline point toward the Georgian and Regency periods. The evolution of the brass handles provides further clues, transitioning from early swan neck designs on engraved plates to oval drop handles and later ring pulls in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Are the brass handles original?

Determining originality involves looking closely at the interior of the drawer timber around the fixing holes for ghost marks or filled previous screw paths. Original brass handles usually match the period of the wood and show consistent signs of age and wear alongside the surrounding cabinet. Replacements are common in antique furniture due to centuries of daily use, though matched period replacements still function well in daily life.

How do I care for antique wood?

Caring for these items requires keeping them away from direct heat sources and dramatic humidity fluctuations, which can cause timber panels to split or warp. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth preserves the finish without requiring heavy polishes. Applying occasional appropriate wax feeds the antique grain, maintaining the natural lustre of walnut, mahogany, and oak over decades of domestic use.