The World Of Antiques: Is It Old?

By Elaine Ezell

“Is it old?” That’s usually the first question asked when someone brings in an item to sell or determine its value. They are usually surprised that it’s possible to determine the approximate age at a quick glance. It’s not about being an expert; it’s about learning to recognize the clues or forensic evidence hidden in each item.

Almost everything will provide clues. It doesn’t matter if it is wood, paper, glass, plastic or textile. Items that are dated, or have a patent date or a manufacturer’s mark, are fairly easy to date. Sometimes, just knowing when materials entered the marketplace will put you in the right era. For example, polyesters and synthetic fabrics were products of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Prior to that time, we lived with cotton, silk and wool. Add this information to fashion trends and styles and you can zero in on a time period pretty accurately and quickly.

Plastics also can be dated by an evolutionary process. Many plastics came from World War II experiments in trying to find better, more durable goods for wartime use. Bakelite is one of the best known plastics to come from that period.

Furniture styles have been copied for centuries. So, what do you look for to determine if it really is 200 years old? Look at the construction. Are the nails old? Were they hand-forged or machine made? Check out drawer construction. Was it put together with nails or is it dovetail construction? What type of hardware is on the piece? Are there signs of age through normal wear and tear?

Glassware can also be dated by looking for the way it was made. Was it hand-blown or molded? Is it cut or pressed glass? How does it feel? Does it have a slippery, wet feel (new)? Sometimes glass is marked with the maker’s company on the bottom or with a paper label. Chemical makeup also can play a part in identifying the age of glass. Many of the ingredients used years ago are not used today.

China, ceramics and porcelains often carry manufacturer’s hallmarks that can be traced and dated as well. Age crazing, weight, style and color also provide clues. Paper items are often easier to figure out because many items are dated. If not, take a look at the advertisements, articles or print medium.

Of course, this article just begins to skim the surface. The next time you pick up something you know has a bit of age to it, start asking yourself some questions and see what you come up with as a potential age bracket. It’s fun, and you may even want to delve a little deeper. All the experts are not on the “Road Show,” and even they are stumped sometimes.

Elaine Ezell and her partner George Newhouse own and operate the CCC Antiques Mall at 2926 Mountain Road in Pasadena and the AAA Antiques Mall in Laurel. CCC Antiques can be reached at 410-437-2091.