smokey musty smell on paper: is it good? does it indicate the age of the item?

I have a painting. I was told that it is antique washed. It has a
smokey / musty smell. Does it indicate that it is well antique-washed?
In general, does this smell indicate the age of the item?

Andy Dingley...

You already know the age. It's brand new, but faked up to "look old".

Now it stinks. It stinks bad enough for you to notice, and for you to
start asking other people about it.

Now as it _can't_ be an indication of age, what do you think it means ?
"Manky crud that I stored in the damp", by any chance ?

It could of course be Chinese. Goodness knows what they use, but a lot
of Chinese paper goods smell of fish glue, and not in a good way.

Forest Duck...

T,
You are a hoot!

Thanks a lot
Ben

Jessica V....

Told by the seller. an art dealer/collector or whomever you acquired it
from that it was antique washed? With little exception I don't use my
sense of smell to determine authenticity or the age of an item. I
associate a musty smell with damp storage and a smoky smell with on
object being near a fire place or in the home of smokers, but that's
just me. I've never been inclined to go sniff the antique reproduction
paintings in decorator shops.

Kris Baker...

You have a painting, or a print?

By "antique washed", do you mean someone conserved it?

A musty smell indicates that paper is degrading, generally.