Imagine you’re sorting through your grandmother’s attic and discover what appears to be an exquisite Victorian writing desk. Or perhaps you’re at an estate sale, drawn to a stunning piece of pottery marked as 18th-century Chinese porcelain. Your heart races at the possibility of owning something genuinely valuable and historically significant.
But the antiques market is filled with reproductions, clever fakes, and outright forgeries designed to fool even experienced collectors. A single purchase or inheritance valuation can mean the difference between a valuable asset and a costly mistake.
This guide will walk you through how to identify authentic antiques, what warning signs to watch for, and when to seek professional verification. Whether you’re considering a purchase, evaluating an inheritance, or simply curious about items you already own, you’ll gain the confidence to make informed decisions.
Before diving into authentication, it’s essential to understand a fundamental definition. The widely accepted “100-year rule” states that an item must be at least 100 years old to be considered a true antique. This standard is recognized by U.S. Customs, insurance companies, and professional appraisal organizations. In practical terms, this means that as of 2026, any item made before 1926 qualifies as an antique.
The “100-year rule” is your first line of defense, as forgers often try to pass off newer vintage items as genuine antiques.
Items from later periods fall into different categories. “Vintage” typically refers to pieces between 20 and 99 years old, while “collectible” describes items with value due to rarity or demand, regardless of age.
Authenticating an antique requires careful detective work. By examining an item’s physical characteristics, you can uncover clues about its true age and origin.
Authentic antiques were crafted with the tools and materials of their time. Before mass production, furniture joints were hand-cut and often show slight irregularities. For instance, dovetail joints on drawers made before the 1860s will have minor variations in spacing and size, unlike the perfect uniformity of later machine-cut dovetails.
Genuine old wood also develops a distinctive character. Look for a natural patina from decades of exposure to air, as well as slight shrinkage across the grain that creates small gaps at joints. Hardware and fasteners are another key indicator. Hand-forged screws with irregular threads were common before 1800, while machine-made screws with pointed ends and single slots appeared after 1850.
The presence of a Phillips-head screw, available after 1936, in a supposedly 18th-century piece is a major red flag.
Finally, the finish should be period-appropriate; a piece from the 1700s should have a shellac finish, never a modern polyurethane one.
Genuine antiques develop “honest wear” in predictable places based on decades of use—a detail forgers find difficult to replicate. On a dining table, look for scratches and fading where plates and utensils would have rested. On a chair, the stretchers where users rested their feet and the armrests where hands sat should show smoothing and darkening from natural oils.
Be suspicious of wear that appears random, excessive, or uniform across the entire piece. Forgers often overdo artificial aging or place it illogically.
The underside of a table, for example, should not show the same level of wear as its top.
Authentic antiques often carry identifying marks from their makers, but these can be faked. It’s crucial to cross-reference any marks with historical records. A mark should support an item’s authenticity but not be the sole factor in your decision. Provenance—the documented history of an item’s ownership—provides powerful evidence, including bills of sale, family records, or historical photographs. While a lack of provenance doesn’t automatically mean an item is fake, it should make you more cautious.
Every historical period has a distinctive design language. The Georgian period (1714-1830) favored symmetrical designs, while the Art Deco period (1920s-1930s) is known for geometric patterns. Study authenticated examples in museum collections and pay close attention to proportions and decorative elements. Mixed elements from different eras strongly suggest a reproduction or an altered piece.
Recognizing warning signs can protect you from costly mistakes. Be skeptical if a supposedly 200-year-old piece looks brand new. Conversely, excessive or illogical wear points to artificial distressing. Price can also be telling; an 18th-century Chippendale chair selling for $200 is almost certainly not authentic. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, resistance to third-party inspection, or vague histories.
While you can do preliminary research, some situations require an expert. Your most reliable option is to work with a professional online appraisal service. At Appraise It Now, we connect you with credentialed experts who deliver USPAP-compliant reports accepted by the IRS, insurance companies, and legal institutions. For supplementary research, you can also consult our blog for articles on research and authentication. A final option, which should be used with extreme caution, is an AI-powered image recognition tool.
While emerging AI tools can offer a starting point, they should never be your sole method of authentication for valuable items.
A professional appraisal provides certainty and documentation that self-assessment cannot. It becomes essential in several key situations, including before making a significant purchase of $500 or more. During estate planning, professional valuations are crucial for tax purposes and ensure the equitable distribution of assets among heirs. Appraisals are also necessary for obtaining proper insurance documentation for your valuable antiques.
If you are donating non-cash property valued over $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal to process your tax deduction.
Furthermore, in legal proceedings like divorce settlements, a USPAP-compliant appraisal provides an objective, impartial valuation that holds up in court.
How much does a professional antique appraisal cost?
Fees typically start around $195 for a single item. Consider it an investment—a $300 appraisal that prevents a $3,000 mistake provides substantial returns.
Will an appraiser tell me if my antique is fake?
Yes. A reputable appraiser has a professional obligation to provide an honest assessment of authenticity. This information is critical for you to make informed decisions.
Are online appraisals as accurate as in-person ones?
For many antiques, an online appraisal is just as accurate, provided you submit clear, detailed photographs and comprehensive information. We will advise you if we believe an in-person examination is necessary.
Can I use an online appraisal for an IRS charitable donation?
Yes. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and meet all IRS requirements for non-cash charitable donations. Our qualified appraisers will sign IRS Form 8283 as required.
The antiques market will always have its share of fakes and forgeries. By understanding period-appropriate characteristics, examining construction and wear, and watching for red flags, you can navigate it more safely.
For moments that require certainty, whether for a significant purchase, insurance, estate planning, or a charitable donation, a professional appraisal is your best protection.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t let uncertainty about an antique’s authenticity or value hold you back. At Appraise It Now, we provide USPAP-compliant appraisals through a convenient online appraisal process, giving you the expert verification and documentation you need. Request your professional antique appraisal today and gain the peace of mind that comes with making informed, confident decisions. Have questions? Contact our team. We're here to guide you through the process.
