How can I tell that an antique is genuine?

If you have inherited a special piece, buying a unique gift, or starting your collecting journey, knowing how to spot genuine antique items is crucial. This guide will walk you through the key steps across various collecting categories, from artwork to vintage toys, with practical tips and expert insights.

Authenticity checks by category

We offer a wide range of antique goods, but recognising authenticity can be challenging. Different types of antiques require various authentication methods. What proves a Victorian painting genuine won't necessarily apply to a 1950s toy or Art Deco jewellery. 

Below, we break down the key verification techniques for each category to help you confidently assess your pieces.

Artwork and Sculpture

Authentic oil paintings often have craquelure (a network of tiny cracks that form naturally as the paint ages and dries). The surface should feel slightly uneven from real brushstrokes. In sculptures, bronze pieces darken and develop a blotchy patina over time, while old marble smooths out where it’s been touched the most. A signature should look handwritten, not printed or too perfect.
Tip: Shine a light at an angle across a painting. If you see raised textures and shadowy brushwork, it’s likely the real thing.

Popular Culture Memorabilia

Real first edition books match the original publishing details (check the year, publisher, and binding). Old signs fade unevenly and often rust around screws or edges, sometimes with maker stamps on the back. Vinyl records have stamped matrix numbers near the centre label, which identify original pressings. Be wary of autographs that sit on unusually clean or modern paper; the ink type and wear should match the item's age.
Tip: Take a whiff. Old books and comics have a distinct musty smell that modern reprints just can’t copy.

Vintage Toys

Early plastic toys often have thick seam lines from older moulding methods. Metal toys may show speckled rust in corners or under paint where moisture collected, it usually looks dark brown and flaky, not orange and even like newer rust. Dolls from the mid-1900s often have hand-inserted glass eyes and stitched or glued-on hair. The packaging should match the toy’s era, with faded inks and soft, worn edges.
Tip: Turn the toy over. Manufacturers often included small dates or country of origin stamps that can help with ID.

Home Décor

Furniture made before the 1920s was often crafted from solid wood with joints cut by hand, dovetail joints won’t all look exactly the same, and there may be tool marks inside drawers. Ceramics may show crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), and older glazes have a softer shine. Early light fixtures can have thick wiring or cloth-wrapped cords if untouched.
Tip: Look underneath chairs or lamps. Real antiques often have handwritten numbers, chalk marks, or faint maker labels.

Jewellery

British jewellery has hallmark stamps showing where, when, and who made it. American pieces may have small maker marks. Older gemstones might be backed with foil to make them sparkle more, although this practice faded out by the 1930s. Chains made before machine processes were usually hand-soldered, so the links may be uneven on close inspection.
Tip: Head into your local jewellery store and ask to use their magnifying equipment. They’re often hidden near clasps or inside the band of a ring.

Collectables

Real porcelain has a smooth, cold feel and gives off a ringing sound when gently tapped. A clear "ping" usually means it’s good quality and possibly old. Tin items from the early 20th century show signs of layered lithograph printing and may have flaked edges where the paint wore off naturally. Vintage advertising signs or tins often have tiny copyright dates or maker details hidden in a corner.

Old vs. very old items

Items under 100 years old

Mid-century modern furniture, retro jewellery, and post-war ceramics often come with makers’ labels or catalogues. Companies like Ercol or Clarice Cliff kept detailed production records, making authentication easier.

Items over 100 years old

Early antiques require deeper scrutiny, often making it hard to trace back. Hand-forged nails in furniture, irregular glass thickness in windows, or oxidation patterns on silver all point to pre-industrial craftsmanship. Porcelain from the 18th century, such as Meissen, often has slight imperfections in glaze application, unlike modern reproductions.

Provenance and documentation

Provenance is an item’s ownership history, it’s the strongest proof of authenticity! Key documents include:

• Auction house records – Sales receipts from Sotheby’s or regional auctioneers verify past transactions.

• Gallery labels – Old exhibition stickers or inventory numbers suggest a piece was displayed or sold commercially.

• Catalogue raisonné entries – Scholarly publications document an artist’s authenticated works.

• Condition reports – These note repairs or alterations over time.

• Blockchain and QR codes – Some dealers now use digital certificates to track high-value items.

Still unsure? Check out some of our related blog posts:

• How to know if the jewellery that I inherited is worth anything?  https://pm-antiques.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-know-if-the-jewellery-that-i-inherited-is-worth-anything

• Toys versus collectables - What's the difference? https://pm-antiques.co.uk/blogs/news/toys-versus-collectables-whats-the-difference

• Are there fake Lladro figures? https://pm-antiques.co.uk/blogs/news/are-there-fake-lladro-figures

• What is the difference between antique, vintage and retro? https://pm-antiques.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-antique-vintage-and-retro?_pos=9&_sid=370f0a6e5&_ss=r

Quick checklist for buyers

• Compare maker’s marks against known references.

• Check for natural wear in expected areas.

• Verify wood, metal, or ceramic composition matches the period.

• Request provenance documents where possible.

• Consult an expert if uncertain.

You can tell an antique is genuine by looking for signs of age and craftsmanship, like natural wear, hand-cut joints, or era-appropriate materials. Check for maker’s marks, stamps, or small imperfections that fakes often lack.

Need help?

If you’re unsure about an item’s authenticity, we offer expert verification as part of your quotation. Whether you’re buying or selling, we can provide a quotation for a straightforward sale or help source genuine antiques. See our range on new antiques and collectables to buy online, sign-up to our mailing list for new stock alerts, or contact us to sell antiques online.