Final answer:
The question primarily deals with the age and value of antique furniture, estimated through carbon-14 dating to be about 2000 years old, and the need for further confirmation. It also touches on the concept of inflation and changes in purchasing power over time, using price comparisons from 1970 to 2017. Craftsmanship evolution from handcrafted to industrially produced furniture is also discussed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the antique furniture being discussed lies in its remarkable age, suggested to be around 2000 years old. This estimate is based on carbon-14 dating which has an uncertainty of about 5%, meaning the furniture could be dated between 1750 and 1950 years old. Confirmation of this age range should ideally be supported by additional evidence such as historical records to further validate the significance of the discovery.
The discussion of the changing prices of goods and the impact of inflation over time provides context to the value of money and the cost of living. For example, comparing goods from 1970 to 2017 shows how inflation has affected purchasing power, indicating that what $1 could buy in 1970 is equivalent to the purchasing power of 18 cents in 2017.
When considering antique furniture like the 18th-century pieces made by artisans using a variety of woods and hand tools, it's clear that craftsmanship has evolved over time. While industrial revolution advances have increased efficiency in furniture production, the quality and individuality of handcrafted items from earlier periods, such as those made by Duncan Phyfe, are often considered more valuable.