Antique Furniture

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Municipal water plants that sent running water into the house were not common in the United States until the 20th century. So instead of flush toilets, people used a large bowl known as a potty or "thunder mug." The well-to-do sometimes had furniture made to conceal the bowl or to make it easier to use.

Once those specialized pieces were no longer needed, they were modified to disguise their original use. These modifications lower their value to collectors.

The resulting pieces have been altered and restored so much, they are of lower value than they would be in original condition. Examine furniture carefully, especially from the bottom, to find signs of changes, such as extra nail holes or unusual patterns of darkening wood.