How We Describe Antiques, Vintage Pieces and Condition

Antiques are not factory-new products. Their age, use, craftsmanship, repairs and natural variation are part of their history. This guide explains the language Moonee Ponds Antiques may use when describing an item.

Photographs and Descriptions

We photograph each item individually and make reasonable efforts to describe significant wear, damage, repairs or alterations that we identify. Product photographs form part of the description, and customers should review every image before ordering.

Photographs may not show every small mark, colour variation or sign of age. Lighting, photography and screen settings can also affect how colours appear. Please request additional photographs or information where a detail is important to your decision.

Condition and Age-Related Wear

Depending on the item, normal characteristics may include:

• Patina, fading, surface marks, scratches or small losses.
• Movement, shrinkage, separation or variation in timber.
• Wear to upholstery, finishes, gilding, metal, glass or decorative surfaces.
• Previous repairs, restoration, replacement parts or later alterations.
• Minor differences between handmade components.

These characteristics are not automatically faults. We aim to identify notable issues, but condition assessments involve judgement and should be read together with the photographs.

Measurements

Measurements are approximate and may be rounded. Antique furniture can be irregular, and dimensions may differ slightly depending on where an item is measured. If fit is critical, ask us to confirm the specific measurement you require, including doors, drawers, projections or removable components.

Dating and Attribution Terms

Circa

An approximate date or period based on the available evidence.

Attributed to

In our opinion, the item may be associated with a maker or designer, but the attribution is not definitively proven.

In the style of

The item reflects the design language of a named period, maker or movement but is not represented as being made by that person or during that original period.

Believed to be

The description reflects a reasonable opinion based on the available information, but certainty is limited.

Vintage

An older item with period character that is not necessarily represented as being at least 100 years old.

Antique

Generally used for an item of substantial age. Where an exact date is uncertain, the description and qualifying language should be considered carefully.

Maker’s Marks, Labels and Signatures

Marks, labels and signatures can assist identification but do not always prove age, origin or authorship on their own. Where relevant, we may photograph or describe a mark and state any limits to the attribution.

Restoration and Repairs

Many antiques have been maintained, repaired, refinished or adapted during their lifetime. Restoration is not automatically negative, but its nature and quality can affect condition and value. We disclose notable restoration or repairs where known and identified.

Electrical and Mechanical Items

Clocks, lamps, chandeliers and other electrical or mechanical items require additional care. Unless a product description expressly states otherwise, do not assume an electrical item has been tested, rewired or certified for current use. Read our Electrical Items and Antique Lighting notice.

Ask Before Ordering

If you would like another photograph, measurement, condition detail or clarification of an attribution, call (03) 9338 9627 or contact our team before ordering.