@leavesofmemory,
"If you search for an antique or a vintage item... they allow sellers to use those terms whether or not it is 'true' - thus, it takes far more time and renders far fewer results that what it used to".
Ever since the beginning of ebay, there has been discussions between what qualifies as vintage and what qualifies as antique. The generally accepted time frames are at least 25 years old for Vintage and 100 years old for Antiques. There are some allowable variations, but for the most part those are the standards. eBay has no way to verify all of the listings listed as Vintage or Antique, there are just too many items that are listed using those terms. Many listed by people who do not know the difference. eBay's search may include the terms, but often listings that do not have those words in the title are displayed as well.
Even in the early days, terms such as Vintage, Antique, Retro, Mid Century, Art Deco and in one category I used to shop in on ebay, "Theater Used" for movie posters/paper. I do not know how many times I saw that term used, but the dimensions given for the items told me they were copies not original movie paper items.
While it is not unusual for Vintage items to still be listed as "New or New Old Stock etc.." I tend read whole descriptions and check photos carefully. Even manufacturers sometimes add to the confussion, when they re-relase true Vintage items using the retro packaging.
An example is vintage plastic model kits from the 50s early 60s. Several of the top manufacturers re-released some of their kits in the 90s or the first few years of this century as 50 year anniversary items. They did that using the original box art, even with the original MPN, and price point on the boxes. (price points started disappearing in the early/mid 60s). Some had UPC codes not used back in the day. Many sellers who are inexperienced in that category listed those as being true vintage items, but they were shrink wrapped, and did not come in "hard boxes". Under company logos were the original release year, but if If they took good enough photos there is in very fine print on one of the long side of the box Copyright 1994 company name. in even smaller lettering than that.
Because of the above, sometimes rather than Vintage/Antique using other terms might keep some listings out Edwardian, Mid century, Baroque etc. Also searching for a chest of drawers rather than a dresser helps if there is a Mfr. stamp or tag on the item.
"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FOOLPROOF, BECAUSE FOOLS ARE SO DARNED INGENIOUS!" (unknown)
