How do I identify the wood used?

Examine the grain pattern, colour, and weight of the timber. Common materials include mahogany, oak, walnut, and exotic hardwoods like rosewood and padauk. Veneers are often applied to a secondary wood base, which can be observed inside drawers or at the cabinet back.

What periods do these cabinets come from?

The pieces span from the eighteenth century through the Victorian era and into the early twentieth century. Styles often reflect the prevailing design movements of their respective decades. Victorian, Regency, and Georgian pieces are common, alongside regional interpretations like French Provincial and Anglo-Indian work.

Are marble tops original to these cabinets?

Many nineteenth-century side cabinets and bedside cupboards were manufactured specifically to receive marble tops for durability and elegance. The stone sits within the wooden frame of the upper surface. Checking the fit against the surrounding wood helps confirm the relationship between the slab and the base cabinet.