Antiquing for furniture can be hit or miss, something not too serious, a way to fill a Saturday afternoon. And there are those for which an antique is not just an old piece to be stumbled upon, something relegated in modern life to simple decor, if at all. These are people that attach meaning to vintage pieces. They understand that form and design were important to the person that first bought or made that now antique chest long ago. That it was something made for more than household utility.
People who attach meaning to antique furniture know that furniture is often thought of as a craft, an art, a way to make a house more livable and refined. This is in addition to its practical use. That some long ago person sat at this antique desk and contemplated a proposal, wrote a book, conducted business or fretted over bills. The thing was associated with a real life long ago and may soon be associated with their life, to which they will attach further meaning to the object.
What does caring have to do with hunting for antique furniture? It means your preparation is different depending upon how much you really care about the history of a piece. If you do, then you are not content to simply stumble along on a lark from estate sale to antique shop. You are looking for something, the right thing, to bring into your home, respectful of the meaning attached to it long ago and knowing you will attach your own meaning to it when you have it.
You want to know about the time period and about the mores and customs of the people who used that piece of furniture long ago. Did the master of the house live in a time when his hounds sat at his feet when he was at table playing cards, drinking or feasting? If you care about this time period, then you care about the dog rings that stained the old table long ago.
Was the vintage hope chest of a young girl of modest means filled with objects that were really embodiments of desperation for a better life?
You see, deeply caring about old furniture is a way of deeply caring about the past and the people that attached their own meaning to the pieces you are seeking. Knowing about the time period and people helps you to know when you have found the right piece. Starting your hunt means knowing how much you really care about what you're after.
