How do I tell a genuine Louis XVI piece from a later reproduction?

Check for straight, tapered and fluted legs — never curved. Original mercury-gilt bronze mounts show a warm, slightly matte finish. A cabinetmaker's stamp struck under a drawer or on the carcass back is a strong authenticity indicator. The timber should display natural ageing consistent with a 250-year-old piece.

Which cabinetmakers are most prized in the Louis XVI style?

Jean-Henri Riesener, Adam Weisweiler and Claude-Charles Saunier are among the most celebrated ébénistes; Georges Jacob is the leading name for seat furniture. A confirmed stamp from any of these makers significantly increases a piece's market value and collectability.

What should I expect to pay for a period Louis XVI antique?

Prices range from roughly €300–800 for a small decorative object or modest side chair, to several thousand euros for a quality commode or secrétaire. Pieces bearing a prestigious cabinetmaker's stamp or with documented royal provenance can exceed €50,000 at auction.

How should I care for Louis XVI mahogany or walnut furniture?

Apply a natural beeswax polish twice a year and avoid direct sunlight and humidity fluctuations. Dust gilt-bronze mounts with a soft brush only — never use abrasive cleaners, which will irreversibly damage the original mercury gilding. Keep the piece away from radiators and air-conditioning vents.

What is the difference between Louis XVI and Directoire style?

Louis XVI (c. 1760–1792) retains refined ornament — garlands, medallions, chiselled bronzes. Directoire (1792–1799) strips away the luxury mounts and simplifies forms dramatically, adopting a starker classicism that directly anticipates the Empire style. Transitional pieces often share qualities of both.