True Victorian furniture often features hand-cut dovetail joints, which are slightly irregular, unlike the perfect, uniform joints made by modern machines. Look for signs of age, such as slight warping, minor nicks, and a natural patina on the wood. The finish should not look perfectly sprayed on; instead, it might show the subtle imperfections of a hand-applied shellac.

While not all pieces were marked, many reputable furniture makers, silversmiths, and ceramicists of the era stamped their work. These marks can be found on the back of furniture, the bottom of ceramics, or inside drawers. Researching these marks can tell you not only the manufacturer but also the approximate date of creation.