Antique bed

This is an antique headboard and footboard. I do not know what type of wood it is made out of, but it is finished with shellac. The side rails are birch, stained with a mocha, and finished with shellac. I thought the match was pretty good. My buddy came over and wanted to use my help and tools to refinish some of his chairs and his bed. We are also making a washer and dryer stand. I am pretty sure the veneer on the head and foot board is walnut based on the color we stained the side rails. I was wondering if anyone has any pointers on how to better identify the type of wood on antiques?

-- God, Family, Country, Woodshop!