How do I recognise a genuine period Louis XIV piece?

Look for Boulle marquetry in brass and tortoiseshell, mercury-fire gilt bronze mounts chiselled by hand, and a carcass of oak or walnut. On the back of drawers, hand-tool marks and slightly irregular dovetails confirm period manufacture. A natural patina on interior timbers is also a reliable indicator of age.

What does Louis XIV furniture typically cost?

Prices vary widely. Small decorative objects in the Louis XIV style can start at a few hundred pounds, while a period Boulle marquetry cabinet or double-bodied armoire can easily reach tens of thousands. The quality of the gilt bronze mounts and a documented provenance are the two most decisive factors in valuation.

What exactly is Boulle marquetry?

Boulle marquetry, perfected by André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732), involves layering sheets of brass and tortoiseshell and cutting them together to produce symmetrical ornamental patterns. The tortoiseshell-ground version is called première partie; the brass-ground version is contre-partie. Both are highly collectible.

How should I care for a Louis XIV piece with marquetry?

Avoid direct sunlight and humidity fluctuations, which weaken tortoiseshell and cause veneers to lift. Dust with a soft dry cloth and apply a thin coat of microcrystalline wax occasionally. If any marquetry begins to lift, consult a specialist restorer before attempting any repair yourself.

What is the difference between Louis XIV and Louis XV style?

Louis XIV favours strict symmetry, straight lines, monumental forms and grand ornament — mascarons, acanthus, gilt bronze. Louis XV, emerging around 1720, moves towards curved and asymmetric lines, cabriole legs and lighter naturalistic decoration characteristic of the Rococo. The contrast between grandeur and elegance is immediately visible.