Look Inside, Out, and Underneath
For wood furniture, such as this 18th-century desk, open the drawers to examine the joinery; it should be well-constructed.
The piece’s framework (the carcass) should be an appropriate wood for the country of origin and the period.
Look at the hardware. If it has been replaced, you may find a shadow of a former drawer pull or holes on the back of the drawerfront
that new hardware conceals.
Look at the feet. They were often damaged by errant mops, boots, and movers. You should expect to see consistent wear among
them. Their proportions should be correct―no banded inlays to conceal extra added height, no fresh foot pads to suggest a trim.
