According to Dave Clum, research can be the best investment for antique collectors. The former cabinetmaker is well acquainted with tools and their uses, and he uses that knowledge to date furniture and other items.

"Each tool leaves a print behind. Knowing when different machines were invented, you can asses how old pieces might be," he explained. Circular saws leave a distinct pattern and were invented after the 1820s.

Clum explained drills have also changed from tools that made mere depressions like the holes on an authentic Windsor chair to the deeper holes found today.

Materials used to make furniture also have changed over time.

"Knowledge of the location of certain woods during certain time periods can also be useful in determining the authenticity of item," said Clum.

"At least once a week I hear the tales and see the results of collectors who were told their purchases were authentic, only to find out that either they were deceived or the person who sold to them was not educated," said Clum.

Dealers' reputations are what their livelihoods depend on.

"We give a money-back guarantee because we depend on repeat business from our customers and their referrals," said Clum.

"If you are not sure about acquiring a piece, you should find a reliable dealer who can purchase items for you," he said. "If you want to go it alone, the novice collector just starting out should buy the best quality you can afford and try to buy from a reputable dealer," he added.

"A frequent trap the novice collector falls into is to buy something just because it's cheap or because it looks old."

He noted a little bit of effort can make any surface look old or worn.

"You need to look at more than the surface. You need to educate yourself about the materials, the processes and the tooling used to make your find," he said.