Allure of Antique Furniture

When one refers to antiques, the first assumption is that the conversation is about furniture, but virtually any man-made, aged object can become an antique, anything from cars, carriages, weapons, utensils, maps, wedding dresses and other garments, artworks, books, writing implements, to ornaments and of course, furniture too.

Post Second World War

Subsequent to the Second World War, society became increasingly consumer driven, largely enabled by mass production and active marketing of all types of goods, including furniture. People had more disposable income as goods became cheaper and more plentiful, so old pieces or antiques, which were frequently handed down from one generation to the next, were discarded in favour of new, more modern goods.

Pre-War

Before this time, most items were handmade or featured at least some degree of handcrafting. A prime example of modern versus handcrafted may be found by examining desk or cabinet drawers. In the old manufacturing process, the drawer, front and side panels were cut to form dovetails, which allowed the sections to slot neatly and precisely into one another.

More, Cheaper, Faster

Modern, mass produced furniture drawers and panels have flat, straight edges, stuck together with a special glue, invented to form a strong bond between surfaces, making the cutting and assembly process faster and cheaper, and requiring far less skill than formerly, thus resulting in more completed items being turned out in less time.

Because production and supply became faster and cheaper, profits were higher for manufacturers, who began relying on higher sales volumes at lower, more affordable prices – the mass market for mass produced goods. Laminates were developed, costing less than the solid wood which was formerly used.

Lost Artisan Skills

In time, the demand for handcrafting, carpentry and carving skills declined, while factories and their machines took over these jobs and the manufacture of furniture. Nowadays, these craftsmen and their skills are relatively scarce, and the products once made by their ancestors are even more so, meaning that the demand for antiques has and will continue to increase, since ever fewer pieces come onto the market.

Here too, the laws of supply and demand come into effect. More people are taking an active interest in antiques, their beauty, the expertise required to produce them, their historical and cultural value and their provenance.

Thus, the current situation is one of more collectors and buyers seeking an already relatively scarce, diminishing resource, which results in ever increasing prices, but it is great news for investors, since the investment value of good antiques will continue to increase.

Not for Everyone

Antique furniture is valuable and some people have the impression that collecting such old pieces is only for the very wealthy, since they view it as rather an elitist practice. Others do not have the space in their home for such heavy and large pieces, and then there are those people who do not fancy “somebody else’s old stuff” anyway, preferring ultra-modern designs.

Tastes Differ

Just as well for those who are passionate about antiques, these sometimes priceless collectables are not for everyone; that means that there are more available for those who do love them. Contrary to certain opinion, one does not need to furnish one’s entire home in an identical style; a combination of old and new in the same dwelling or room works perfectly, if put together with an eye for detail and creative mind.

Many people still have treasured items which may have belonged to their ancestors and have been passed down to them. Such pieces typically have enormous sentimental value and as a result, are extremely dear to their owners; the value which they place on their heirlooms is beyond monetary and they would not sell or part with them for any amount of money.

What Qualifies as Antique?

Broadly speaking, the cut off age is 100 years or older, but there are exceptions and exceptional factors which may apply. Bibles must be at least 160 years of age before being classified as antique. Values may wax and wane during various periods, in line with the relative popularity of objects.

Porcelain tea sets were much in demand, fetching high prices a number of years ago. Presently, there is less demand for tea sets, possibly due to different social practices and rituals, and thus prices reflect this, although exceptions do exist in this respect too.

Pretoria Specialists

Our store is situated in Pretoria, from where we supply fine antique furniture throughout South Africa, pieces being mainly of the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and Regency periods, all certified by the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) and imported from Britain, their country of manufacture and origin.