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Is my dining table antique?

Asked Jun 11, 2010, 04:46 PM — 5 Answers
I have an old dining table that has this etched on its underside: VIIII.

I would like to know if it is antique or not. Thanks in advance for your help.

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hheath541's Avatar
hheath541 Posts: 2,706, Reputation: 2858
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#2

Jun 11, 2010, 05:03 PM
Well, that would be the roman numerals for '9.' it may be a makers mark of some kind, a mark for a particular line of furniture, or something that was put there later.

Can you post pictures? Do you have ANY idea how old it might be?
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Wondergirl's Avatar
Wondergirl Posts: 31,368, Reputation: 24153
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#3

Jun 11, 2010, 05:17 PM


An antique has to be 100 years or more.

Does the mark say VIII or VIIII? VIII is the Roman numeral for eight and might mean the number of chairs that will fit around the table (versus IV that means four). VIIII isn't really the Roman numeral nine; IX is nine.

Is the wood mahogany or cherry or walnut? Can you tell?
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hheath541's Avatar
hheath541 Posts: 2,706, Reputation: 2858
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#4

Jun 11, 2010, 05:26 PM
Although IX is more common for 9, VIIII can be used, as well. In fact, it seems like roman numerals aren't as clear cut as I thought they were.

Roman Numeral Dates | Conversion Guide
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Wondergirl's Avatar
Wondergirl Posts: 31,368, Reputation: 24153
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#5

Jun 11, 2010, 05:33 PM


Quote:
Originally Posted by hheath541 View Post
although IX is more common for 9, VIIII can be used, as well. In fact, it seems like roman numerals aren't as clear cut as I thought they were.

Roman Numeral Dates | Conversion Guide
I agree that both have been used to represent "9." I Googled but haven't come up with anything yet. The public library has books on collectible and antique furniture and identification marks. Maybe call or visit the library.
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Clough's Avatar
Clough Posts: 27,302, Reputation: 8524
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#6

Jun 12, 2010, 12:07 AM
Hi, etorres208!

The number VIIII could mean any number of things. I use those kinds of numbers to mark the parts for furniture when I refinish them. I etch them onto the undersides of the pieces. I know that other builders and refinishers also do the same thing.

Images would be helpful here.

Also, "antique" is a word that is very subjective. For instance, American furniture built in the style and finish from the 1950's is now outdated, although can still be popular in some homes. Such furniture can be considered to be "antique" as can those from the Art Deco period.

Because of there being so many reproductions of different periods of furniture, what's underneath that table; what the castors are like, if there are any; what any fasteners are like; and, if the original batting is still in the chairs, if there are chairs, is going to more likely reveal more of a story than the overall outward appearance of the table and hopefully, set.

Thanks!
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