Are marble tops fixed to the wooden base?

Most antique stone slabs rest unattached on top of the timber carcase, held in place purely by their own considerable weight. This allows the stone to be lifted off for moving the piece. Take care when relocating these items and lift the stone separately from the base. Secure any loose slabs with discreet silicone dots if instability is a concern.

Where were these pieces used in the home?

Washstands and dressing cabinets stood in bedrooms to provide a waterproof surface for washing before indoor plumbing was common. Hall stands occupied entranceways to hold coats and hats while incorporating stone shelves for small items. Console tables and side tables sat in parlours and reception rooms for decorative display. Garden sets placed cast iron and stone outdoors for patio seating.

How do I date a Victorian washstand?

Examine the construction methods inside the drawers and the timber used for the secondary framing, such as pine or oak. Early examples often show hand-cut dovetails and simpler turned legs. Later pieces from the end of the nineteenth century display machine-cut elements or incorporate Aesthetic Movement and Edwardian stylistic markers. Surviving maker stamps or ceramic tile registry marks also help narrow the date.