Furniture Makers' Marks: Where to Find Labels and Stamps
Find and identify furniture makers' marks: where labels, stamps and tags hide, what they reveal and how a maker's name can change the value of a piece.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
A maker's label can turn "nice old cabinet" into a documented piece by a known workshop — with the value to match. Most furniture isn't marked, but it's always worth a careful search.
Where to look
- Inside drawers: on the sides, backs and bottoms
- Backs of cabinets and dressers
- Under seats of chairs and sofas
- Underneath tables, on the apron or frame
- Inside doors of cabinets and wardrobes
- Behind mirrors and on the backs of frames
- On hardware: some locks and hinges carry maker names
Use a flashlight and look at an angle — stamps can be faint.
Types of marks
- Paper labels: printed with the maker or retailer name; often partly torn
- Branded or burned marks: heat-branded into the wood
- Ink stamps: often with model numbers
- Metal tags or plaques
- Stenciled numbers: shipping, model or inventory numbers
- Carved or stamped initials: individual craftsmen
Retailer vs. maker
Many labels name the store that sold the piece, not the workshop that made it. Still useful — it locates the piece in time and place.
Mid-century and designer furniture
Designer pieces from the mid-20th century often carry manufacturer labels, stamps or tags, and these are critical for value because copies are common. See mid-century modern furniture identification.
Beware fake labels
Labels from desirable makers are sometimes added to unrelated furniture. Check that the label has aged consistently with the wood, and that the piece's style and construction match the maker.
No label?
Most antique furniture has none. Identify it through style, wood and construction instead — see antique furniture identification.
Quick scan
Photograph the whole piece and any label, then scan with AntiqueIQ for an identification, era and estimated value range. A maker match is a strong reason to research further.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the maker of my furniture?
Search drawers, backs and undersides for labels, stamps and tags, then research the name. If none, identify by style and construction.
Does a maker's label increase value?
Often, especially for notable makers and designer pieces.
Can labels be fake?
Yes. Check that the label's age and the piece's style and construction match.