How to read wear honestly

Patina & finish

Patina is the slow collaboration of material, use, and air. Softening on a brass pull, oxidizing at a bronze foot, oil-darkening on a pine tabletop — each can be desirable when structurally sound. Distinguish cosmetic bloom from active instability: lifting veneer, weeping joins, or glass that has traveled beyond charming clouding.

Condition language

• Stable wear — nicks and fades that do not change function.
• Professional attention — prior repairs done with reversible methods.
• Open questions — marks you want to inspect in person under daylight.

Reserve words like mint or museum-grade for objects you have inspected yourself, with paperwork when it matters to you.

Measurements that matter

Overall height, width, and depth; seat height and interior shelf spacing for case pieces; shade diameter and harp height for lamps. Scale is easy to misread at a glance — measure in the room when you can.