How do I identify reproduction hardware on old furniture?

Reproduction hardware often looks too new, too uniform, or too shiny for the piece it is on. Original hardware usually shows wear patterns and patina consistent with age, while new hardware may have crisp edges and an artificial finish.

Look at the back of the hardware and the inside of the drawer. Original posts, nuts, and screws should match the period of the furniture. Modern threads, machine screws, and new nuts are clues that hardware has been replaced. Extra holes or patched holes inside the drawer front are another sign.

Replacement hardware does not automatically make a piece undesirable, but it can lower value, especially for collectors of high-quality pieces. If you are selling, mention any replaced hardware in your description. If you are buying, ask about it and factor it into the price.