How can I tell a genuine antique table from a reproduction?

Check the patina on the underside of the top and the inner faces of the legs — it should be consistent and natural. Hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joints, hand-plane marks on hidden surfaces, and the slight irregularity of aged wood are signs of authenticity that reproductions struggle to replicate convincingly.

What does an antique table cost from a professional dealer?

Prices vary enormously by period, timber and condition. A rustic oak farmhouse table can start from around £300–600, while an 18th-century Louis XV walnut table in original condition typically ranges from £2,000 to £8,000 or more for a stamped or documented example.

Which woods are most common in French antique tables?

Oak dominates rustic and farmhouse pieces; walnut was the preferred timber for bourgeois furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries; mahogany characterises Empire and Restauration styles. Cherry and fruitwood appear frequently in provincial pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

How should I care for a solid-wood antique table?

Avoid direct sunlight and sudden changes in humidity. Feed the wood once or twice a year with natural beeswax or diluted linseed oil. Steer clear of spray cleaners and harsh household products, which strip the original patina and can cause irreversible surface damage.

Does restoration reduce the value of an antique table?

A well-executed, documented restoration — stabilising a leg, filling a crack, retouching a finish — is generally accepted and does not significantly reduce value. However, a wholly replaced top or non-original legs must be disclosed by the seller and will have a meaningful impact on the price.