Across kilometres of stalls everything mixes together: the genuine piece, the recent copy and the damaged item cleverly displayed. Knowing how to look before buying is the experienced hunter's first reflex. Here is how to assess a find at the Braderie de Lille.
Take time to examine
The golden rule: never buy without having handled the object. Turn it over, open it, test the hinges, the catches, the drawers. Many flaws are invisible from the angle the seller has chosen.
Always look for marks, hallmarks and signatures: under a plate, on the back of a frame, inside a lid. Their absence is not disqualifying, but their presence tells you a lot. Your phone torch is your best ally here.
The clues that betray a copy
An old object carries consistent traces of use. Wear that is too regular, perfectly distributed, is suspicious: time never wears things evenly. Likewise, a uniform patina across an entire piece of furniture is often artificial.
Be wary of materials too: metal that is too light, wood that sounds hollow, "porcelain" that feels warm to the touch. On furniture, examine the joints and screws, which often betray recent manufacture. Our article on antique dealers helps distinguish levels of professionalism.
Price is not value
A cheap item wrongly assessed is still a bad deal. Before buying a piece worth several tens of euros, take thirty seconds to check a price online: comparing with real sales avoids a lot of regret.
Conversely, a high price guarantees nothing. Ask the seller about provenance: a serious professional answers readily and directly. Marked hesitation is a signal not to ignore.
Keep a cool head
The excitement of the hunt encourages impulse buying. One simple habit: if you hesitate, walk on and come back. Nine times out of ten the urge fades; the tenth time, the object is still waiting. And think about transport before falling for furniture: our budget tips and our bargain hunter's guide return to these trade-offs.
Look twice, buy once: that is the whole art of the good deal.