Antique Age Estimator
Use origin markings and construction cues to narrow down the era of an antique or collectible. Always consult an expert appraiser for valuation.
Country / Origin Marking
Construction Cues by Era
Pre-1830
Hand-cut dovetails, hand-forged nails, no machine marks, hand-planed wood with tool marks
1830–1880
Machine-cut dovetails, cut nails, early machine production, slight irregularities in symmetry
1880–1920
Wire nails, machine screws, stamped metal hardware, early plywood, transfer-printed decals
1920–1950
Standardized hardware, Bakelite/early plastic parts, Art Deco styling, streamlined forms
1950–1970
Formica, early vinyl, chrome trim, Mid-Century Modern design, plastic components
1970–1990
Particle board, melamine, colored plastic, harvest gold/avocado green palette
Origin Markings Reference Table
| Marking | Approx Era | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLAND (no "Made in") | Pre-1891 | McKinley Tariff Act (1890) required "Made in" for US imports starting 1891 |
| NIPPON | 1891–1921 | Japanese word for Japan; US required "Nippon" 1891; "Japan" after 1921 |
| OCCUPIED JAPAN | 1945–1952 | Required by US occupation forces. Extremely specific date range. |
| WEST GERMANY | 1949–1990 | Only used while Germany was divided. Ceased after reunification 1990. |
| CZECHOSLOVAKIA | 1918–1993 | Country split into Czech Republic + Slovakia in 1993 |
| U.S.S.R. | 1917–1991 | Soviet Union dissolved December 1991 |