Buying antique furniture: questions about condition and restoration
A useful condition description tells you what has survived, what has been repaired or replaced, and how the piece works today. Those details help you decide whether an antique suits your home and expectations. Start with the individual object, then ask focused questions about anything the description or photographs do not explain.
What work has been done?
Ask the seller to identify known repairs and replacements, including changes to the finish, leather, handles, locks, feet or castors. A phrase such as “restored” does not tell you which work was carried out or when. If originality matters to you, ask which parts are believed to be original and what supports that view.
A replacement writing surface should be described clearly. The catalogue's large rosewood writing slope with brass inlay is described as having a newly fitted skiver. That is useful information to weigh alongside photographs of the interior. It does not mean that every lining or fitting has been replaced.
Does every moving part work?
For a desk, ask whether each drawer opens and closes freely and whether the base is steady. For a cabinet, ask about door alignment, shelves and hinges. With a writing slope, ask to see it open, including the writing boards and compartments. If a concealed mechanism is mentioned, request a demonstration or instructions rather than trying to force it.
Ask which locks have working keys. One supplied key does not necessarily operate every lock. For example, the catalogue description of the Victorian mahogany pedestal desk by Edwards & Roberts identifies a replacement lock without a key. The specific exception is more informative than a general statement that keys are supplied.
Which photographs would resolve the uncertainty?
Request close views of the area you are concerned about, taken in clear light, as well as an overall view that shows where it sits on the piece. Useful subjects include the writing surface, veneer edges, drawer interiors, feet, hinges and the back. A side view can clarify a lifting edge or a surface irregularity that is difficult to judge head-on.
Photographs help you ask better questions, but they cannot prove that a joint is firm or a drawer runs smoothly. If practical, arrange a viewing and ask to see the relevant parts operating.
What does the description establish about age and maker?
Keep “by”, “attributed to” and “in the style of” distinct. If a maker matters to your decision, ask for photographs of any stated label or stamp and the explanation for the attribution. A piece's appearance alone should not be treated as proof of a maker. Do not infer that all parts are the same age simply because the piece is described by a period.
What should be agreed before purchase?
Ask for the current condition, confirmed dimensions, included keys or accessories, any agreed work, and delivery arrangements in writing. Raise a concern before committing, so both sides know what is expected. Discuss any proposed alteration with a suitable specialist before carrying it out.
You can ask about a particular piece with its name and a short list of questions, or read about restoration services. The most useful answer will be specific to the object you are considering.