HOW TO PROTECT ONESELF FROM FAKES
We must consider that the actual veneering is very thin (few tenths of millimetre) and this is a certain test of a recent production because only today's instruments are able to make such a thin veneer.
Table of the castle of Giulio II
Detail before the restoration
Other signs of little repairs is the replacement of the drawer's bottoms, or the reversal or replacement of worn out runners. In a solid furniture the restoration is more evident: obviously we must pay attention to the differences of tonality of wood grain, to nails, to glue's blurrings.
Moreover a piece of furniture has a stylishness of proportions, harmony of lines and a choice of particulars that even if primitive or naive has a relationship between form and function that a today's forgers, if he is not a talented artist, cannot repeat without discordance.
Every craftsman,every cabinet-maker, every antique dealer, etc etc..lives in his own time and he is accustomed to it. Knowing the history, the reasons, the style and art in general means to own those requirements to value the congruence of the piece of furniture.
Table of the castle of Giulio II
Detail before the restoration
In a word, knowledge is essential to recognize those elements that the forger put in. Those who are not competent they have better to consult an expert or else to tend to the modern furniture.
Another little advice to those who wants to buy antique furniture is to keep in mind the antique dealers, the restorers, or the second-hand dealer, who spend their all lives among antique furnishing, dealing with them, buying and selling them, they perfectly know what is selling.
So it is pure presumption and stupidity to think that they are mistaken about the price. To think that they didn't know anything about the furniture is pure illusion.
Table of the castle of Giulio II
Detail before the restoration
Those who hope to buy a good quality furniture, a XVIIth. century italian chest of drawers, or a venetian trumeau of XVIIIth. century for a few milions, are destined to be deceived. This does not mean it is impossible to do a real bargain: for instance to pay the right price for the right price a the piece of furniture, with reference to is value, age and authenticity and with warranties. Demand a report of an expert validated by the court.
It is advisable to trust to an antique dealer choosen through information with the same good sense that you would choose a doctor or a lawyer, remembering that he is a serious professional man and he would do all his best to increase his customers.
It is better to avoid, or at least to take precautions when you negotiate with private citizens, or countess pretending to sell her family property.
