Why old timber is handled differently
In antique furniture the glued joints often have a hundred years or more behind them. The glue turns brittle, tenons sit loose, and timber that stood in the same place for decades has settled into a particular room climate.
A cupboard lifted by one corner can therefore distort in the carcass without anything showing on the outside. So we lift and carry accordingly, by load bearing parts, never by cornices, doors or drawer fronts.
To dismantle or not
With modern furniture, dismantling is the normal case. With antiques it is often the greater risk: what has once been loosened rarely sits as firmly again, and historic joints cannot simply be reproduced.
So we dismantle only what was already loose for transport or where it is unavoidable, tops, crowns and doors on very large pieces. Everything else stays together, secured with straps and padding.
Veneer, fittings and climate
Veneers and inlays lift under moisture and mechanical pressure. We pad across the whole surface rather than at single points and avoid adhesive tape on historic surfaces, because it takes finish and polish with it when pulled off.
Fittings, keys and loose parts are packed individually, labelled and assigned to their piece. For longer interim storage we recommend climate controlled storage.
How the antique transport runs
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Survey
We look at the condition, the joints and the route.
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Quote
You receive a price including packing and the agreed value.
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Securing and transport
Padded across the surface, strapped and driven with low vibration.
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Placing
We place the piece and put back together whatever was loosened.
Frequently asked questions
Do you dismantle antique furniture?
Only where it is unavoidable. Historic joints rarely sit as firmly again once loosened; in case of doubt we move the piece in one.
Do you buy or value antiques?
No. We transport and store. For a valuation turn to a specialist, sensibly before the transport, because of the insured value.
What should be watched with veneer?
No adhesive tape on the surface and no point loading. We pad across the surface and fix only at insensitive places.
Can antique furniture be put into storage?
Yes, ideally climate controlled. Old timber reacts sensitively to the swings in humidity in ordinary storage rooms.
