I agree. There's nothing quite like seeing the craftsmanship that goes into older furniture: The doweling, dove-tailing and effort that goes into making things square and flush and so on. The quality is difficult to go past for those who know what to look for. But alas, most don't care.
Craftsmanship and solid wood, we inherited a lot of ball and claw, when I go out purchasing it is more often than not found in second hand stores.
Alas now I have to find home for most I have which I was going to pass down to the sons, if they move it will not be worth shipping.