Antique Wedding Armoires

Authenticating an antique wedding armoire starts with the wood itself. Solid oak, walnut or wild cherry will show an irreplaceable natural patina, with visible tool marks on the interior surfaces and mortise-and-tenon joints secured with wooden pegs. Carved panels on genuine period pieces display a slight irregularity of depth — the unmistakable signature of hand-tool work. Suspiciously crisp, perfectly uniform relief is a common indicator of a later industrial reproduction.

To date a piece, study the ironwork closely: hand-forged hinges, pintles and bolt locks are characteristic of production before 1850. The shape of the feet (bun, sabot or bracket), the profile of the cornice (straight, arched or broken-pediment) and the moulding sections all help to assign the armoire to a specific region and period. A documented provenance — a notarial deed, a probate inventory or an original dealer's label — adds considerably to both authenticity and value.

In terms of budget, a marriage wardrobe of good quality typically sells for between £700 and £3,500, depending on region of origin, fineness of carving and overall condition. Signed or dated Norman or Alsatian examples with intact original ironwork can exceed this range. Always check the condition of the joints, confirm that any woodworm treatment has been declared, and verify that the doors hang flat and close squarely.

On Antiquités en France, every professional dealer can supply detailed photographs of the carvings, ironwork and interior before you commit to a purchase. You may also wish to explore antique French regional commodes to build a coherent country-furniture ensemble, or browse the full antique armoires section to widen your search. Contact the dealer of your choice directly — they are best placed to guide you on shipping, dismantling and reassembly.