Identification Of Older & Antique Furniture

When a piece of furniture reaches the point where our children are no longer inviting their friends over, we know it's time to upgrade. But for legions of collectors out there, old furniture is just what they're looking for. But, how do they tell if something is circa 1840 or 1940? By following the superb tips in this presentation by antiques expert Fred Taylor. After offering a capsule history of furniture, Taylor narrows his focus to American antiques from 1840-1950, and points out the ways savvy collectors try to determine a piece's age. Explaining that furniture can only be as advanced as the technology of its time, Taylor shows viewers construction techniques, materials, and styles from the last 150 years. Looking at dresser drawers, rockers, beds, and chairs, the program provides a very good roadmap to get collectors on the right track and explodes a few popular myths along the way (such as the one that veneer is a relatively new feature on furniture; Taylor says: "veneering has been around since about the fourth piece of furniture ever made.") Although much of the program is talking head, there are still plenty of illustrations and actual furniture shots, and the information is very good. Recommended. (R. Pitman)