FIRST ADVICE

We can observe every day that the market of art and antiques is unfortunately a game where no holds barred.

Thus, without speaking about the forgers who build old furniture with new ones, the risk to be misled can be found in the descriptions and in the voluntary or not ambiguity between the different notions.

	Antiques Only the more than hundred years old items are internationally admitted as antiques. The other items are secondhands market or even flea market. As time goes by, a natural selection eliminates the items that were not well built and preserved by the previous generations. Time naturally adds a value of rarity.. For example, items that were built at the beginning of the XXth century until the thirties can be considered like precious items but will only be antiques in 2030.
	Period object applies to objects made during the period of the sovereign to whom its style is referring. For example, a chest of drawers Louis XVI must have been built between 1760 and 1800.
	Style object applies to old and genuine objects but which period of making is more or less late and that must be precised. For example a chest of drawer of Louis XVI style is an antique but of style Louis XVI and period Napoleon III. The value of a period object is of course not the same than the one of a style object.
	Descriptions The risk to be misled is also important in the explanatory leaflets. For example, there is a large difference between « signed by or stamped by » and « bears the signature or the stamp of ». There is also a big difference between « attributed to », « of the circle of » and « in the style of » More and more disputes are brought before the courts because of the ambiguity of the objects description between transactions. But even more numerous are the disputes amicably settled. Here are two examples. .
	Case Nr1 April 2005, Public auction called « inheritance of Mrs X » Description of the catalogue : table de chevet de forme mouvementée en placage de bois de rose dans des encadrements d'amarante et filets de buis. Le plateau est marqueté d’un bouquet fleuri en sycomore et bois teinté de vert. Elle ouvre à trois tiroirs et présente une tirette formant écritoire. Pieds cambrés. Estampillée F. Reizell. Period : Louis XV. (some accidents, lack and restorations). Estimation : 2.500 / 3.500 euros. Comments : One of our clients wanted to buy this furniture and we have examine dit during the public exhibition before the auction. We have notices that the top of the table was not the genuine one and a part of the right side had been recently new veneered. Two important facts which were not mentioned in the description. The expert admitted that and our clients could define a reasonable price not to exceed, with a good knowledge of its qualities and defaults. Case Nr2 February 2004 - Public auction - private collections in part from the castle of V... Description of the catalogue : Glace dans un cadre à fronton en bois naturel mouluré et bois de placage rehaussé de cuivre estampé à décor de fleurs rinceaux et panaches : à l'amortissement des personnages dans des rinceaux, lambrequins et cornes d'abondance.Period :18th century. Estimation : 7.000 / 8.000 euros Comments : One of our clients has bought this object and when he brought it to our workshop to restore it, we have notices that : The pediment does not correspond to the style nor to the period of the rest of the mirror and in particular, the style of the motifs is much later. The pediment made of sliced veneer is not attributable to a 18th century production. The motifs are very incomplete since ancient nails marks are still visible on the mouldings. On that basis, our client was able to point out that he had bought this object for his fundamental qualities as described in the catalogue and that these qualities did not exist. So there was a fault on the substance. After a discussion with the expert, who confirmed our remarks, our client was reimbursed (except the transport costs). But the highlight of this case, is that we have learned in December 2004 that the same object was mentioned in the catalogue of another auction but this time, it was attributed to the Louis XVI period for an estimation of 5.000 to 6.000 euros...! Other cases: Sometime, it also happens that the sellers do not exist anymore or are insolvent and in that case unfortunately, no course of action is possible.

1. five steps back

Examine the proportions of the furniture : Is there something wrong ? Disproportion of the legs, of the marble ?...

2. Close to the furniture

a. its marble

Rough behind Cracked, broken or resticked Regularly follows the outline of the furniture< Moulding (except for the Empire Style)

b. its bronze or brass (handles, locks, ferrule...)

Perfectly fit to the furniture Also fit to the mouldings and to the decoration

c. Woodworks

Wormholes Line breaks in the wood (solidwood or veneer) Finish transparency

3. Open the furniture

The locks must fit to the notches No old handles holes must be visible To check the dovetails To check the wormholes To check the nature of the upholstering (springs, horsehairs, foam rubber...)

Never forget that the « general sale conditions » include a « Guarantee » chapter which typically holds that « no complaint will be accepted after the auction, since the buyers could examine the objects during the previous show.». So it is very wise to form oneself an opinion about the object before the auction. (nos services – conseil /représentation)

After a detailed examination, if you are still interested, never hesitate to request a precise and complete certificate from the seller and from the expert (Commitment).

If you could not proceed to a detailed examination,
if the seller does not accept to provide a certificate
if you have a doubt about the « value » of his signature,

You have to weigh up the importance of your interest for this object and the incurred potential financial risk.

but also considering the possibility that exists to find in the near future a similar object to another trustworthy professional who will give you all the appropriate guarantees.

© L'Atelier Anne-Marie FRERE s.a. 2009