We asked the experts what they look for when making their own purchases. Thomas Perry, of One of a Kind Antiques in Chester, Conn., advises looking at the underside of the piece. When furniture was first made it was never stained under its drawers, top or skirt.
Stain is a way of covering up repairs.
The more stain the more repairs. The Making of Old Furniture ,Charles Hayward explains how the construction of furniture can betray the era in which it was made. A highly lacquered ebony piece listed as American, ca.1650 should arouse suspicion through its very incongruity. Likewise, a French Baroque chest that is free of ornamentation or rudely made is probably not a real piece of court furniture. Pull out the drawers.