Kovel's antiques books have been around for ever.  Almost any antique shop of
any quality will have a copy on hand for themselves.  I have trusted them
completely.  It IS possible to discover the authenticity of some antiques
using magnets and tape  measures.  Magnets will not adhere to solid brass,
for instance and measurements were not standard while building primitive
antiques or while using hand tools so anything that seems "too regular" is
problably not hand made as claimed.  Hope this helps--go for the Kovels--they
are probably one of the best resources around.

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