The single most useful word in an online antique listing is the one most buyers skim past: "style." "Louis XVI style" means built in the manner of — not built in the period. Honest sellers use the word precisely; dishonest ones leave it out. Learn to read it and half the risk of buying antiques online disappears.
The vocabulary that protects you
Period means made in the era named. Style or in the manner of means a later homage. Attributed to is an opinion without documentation. Signed means it carries a signature — which can itself be checked. After means a copy of a known work.
A worked example from our own catalogue: we list a signed 1961 Beverly Pepper ink painting and a carved-wood sculpture we describe as Beverly Pepper style — same estate, different certainty, priced accordingly. That distinction is what honest listing looks like from the seller's side.
The photos a listing must have
- Underside or back — construction, secondary woods, labels, honest wear
- Joints up close — repairs show as fresh glue, mismatched patina, new screws
- Marks with scale — a signature photographed without a ruler proves little
- Raking-light shot of the top — reveals veneer bubbles, filled gouges, refinishing
- Full piece from standing height — proportions can't hide
If a seller won't produce these on request, that is the answer.
Provenance: what counts
Photos of the piece in the home it came from, paperwork, and matched companion pieces from one household count. "From a wealthy estate" with nothing behind it doesn't. Every VaultXL lot carries an item number tying it to the project it came from — you can see it on any piece in The Vault.
Frequently asked questions
Is a signature a guarantee?
No — it's a claim you can verify. Compare against documented examples, and weigh whether the price assumes authentication the listing doesn't offer.
Should I buy antiques from a no-returns seller?
A firm-sale policy is fine when it comes with exhaustive photos and stated condition — that's the seller doing the work up front. Walk away when it comes with three photos and "sold as is."
What if a piece arrives damaged?
Damage in transit and wrong-item are the two exceptions every reputable firm-sale seller honors — ours included. Photograph the packaging before you open it fully.