How to Authenticate French Period Furniture: A Collector's Guide
From Louis XV curves to Empire straight lines, understanding the telltale signs of genuine French period furniture requires trained eyes and decades of experience. Here is what we look for when sourcing for our clients.
The Art of Authentication
In over two decades of sourcing French period furniture for collectors, designers, and hospitality clients worldwide, we have learned that authentication is as much an art as it is a science. The difference between a genuine 18th-century Louis XV commode and a skilled 19th-century reproduction can mean tens of thousands of pounds, and the untrained eye will miss the subtle signs that separate the two.
At Source Me It, authentication begins long before we examine a piece. It starts with provenance: where has this piece been, who has owned it, and can its journey be traced? The best pieces we source come through our network of trusted European dealers, many of whom our family has known for generations. This relationship-based approach is our first line of defence against misattribution.
What We Look For
Construction Methods
Genuine period furniture reveals its age through construction. Hand-cut dovetails are irregular and slightly imperfect, unlike the uniform precision of machine-cut joints. The wood itself tells a story: genuine 18th-century oak and walnut develop a patina that cannot be convincingly replicated. We examine the secondary woods (the hidden structural timbers) as carefully as the visible surfaces, because this is where shortcuts in reproduction are most commonly found.
Tool Marks and Hardware
Period furniture bears the marks of hand tools: the subtle ridges left by hand planes, the slightly uneven surfaces that distinguish handcraft from machine production. Original hardware, particularly hinges, locks, and drawer pulls, is another crucial indicator. We look for signs of original mounting holes, period-appropriate metalwork, and the distinctive patina that develops on brass and bronze over centuries.
Proportions and Style
Each French period has distinctive proportions that are remarkably consistent. Louis XV furniture features flowing cabriole legs and asymmetric rococo ornamentation. Louis XVI pieces are characterised by straight, fluted legs and neoclassical symmetry. Empire furniture is bold and architectural, drawing on Egyptian and Roman motifs. When proportions feel wrong, even subtly, it is often the first sign that a piece is not what it claims to be.
The Importance of Provenance
Provenance is the documented history of ownership, and it is the single most important factor in authentication. A piece with clear provenance from a known collection, documented sale, or established dealer carries far more weight than one that appears without history. We maintain detailed records of every piece we source, and we work only with dealers who can provide transparent provenance documentation.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistakes we see collectors make include relying solely on visual appearance, purchasing from unfamiliar sources without provenance documentation, and confusing age with authenticity. A piece can be genuinely old but still misattributed to a more prestigious period or maker. Our Christie's training and decades of hands-on experience help us navigate these complexities with confidence.
Our Approach
When we source French period furniture for our clients, every piece undergoes a rigorous assessment. We examine construction, materials, proportions, hardware, and provenance before making any recommendation. If we have any doubt about a piece's authenticity, we simply do not offer it. Our reputation depends on the integrity of every piece we source, and we would rather lose a sale than compromise our standards.
If you are considering acquiring French period furniture for your home or project, we would be delighted to discuss your requirements. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.