Useful Information About Antiques

Choosing to invest in valuable antiques requires that you arm yourself with the right information about the items you want to purchase. Because buying such items involves huge amounts of money, the information you have can help you avoid making mistakes in your purchases or being fooled by some unscrupulous sellers. In buying antiques, this is very true, as there are quite a number of things you need to research before you embark on your search for antiques. Among these, two of the most important include knowing about the different terms used by antique sellers and knowing the market price of different antique items. These are important because knowing antiques terminology can help you know what to look for in antique items and knowing their market price can help you avoid the mistake of overpaying for antique items.

To help you get started with your antiques collection, here are a few of the most commonly used terms in the antique business. One of the most commonly used terms is original finish, which means that the item still has its original protective coating from when it was first made. Another commonly used term is original condition, which means that the antique item still has all its original pieces. Other commonly used terms include patina, which is the look that antique items have as a result of years of "wear and tear" and povenance, which is the documented history of an antique item.

Once you are familiar with the terms, you will be better able to evaluate some of the prices that you can expect to see in the antique market. This is because some items, which include very simple pieces, can really be expensive. An example of this is the $21,000 price tag of a pair of Victorian birds eye music chests made in 1875. Another example is an antique Regency rosewood table with brass inlay, which costs around $14,000. However, there are still some "more affordable" antique items that you can buy. One of these includes an 1897 Imperial Russian Military Pocket Watch that costs around $500.

The decision to invest in antiques should be accompanied with appropriate research on antique items. Knowledge on things like the language used in the antique business and the market prices of antique items can help people avoid some of the most common mistakes that beginning antique collectors make and it can also help them get the most out of their money.

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How to Buy Antiques

Antiques

Many people enjoy owning antiques. Some people like to own them for the pure pleasure they bring. Some people enjoy how they look and the class they bring to a room. Some people like the fact they are valuable. No matter why a person may want to buy them, surely they would enjoy learning more tips on how to buy antiques.

Tip number one:

Start with the easy sells. Look at such buying opportunities as:

Yard Sales

Estate Sales

Flea Markets

Classified ads

Thrift Stores

Many times a seller will not realize that what they are selling is indeed an antique. He/she just may be mistaken in believing that the object is just something that is old, dusty, in need of repair or in need of refinishing. If this is the case, you may get the object at an inexpensive price. Be glad. Don't gloat.

Tip number two:

Don't be intimated by real antique dealers and traders

You can also find many nice antiques at trade shows, antique shops, antique malls, etc. But when you are buying at these types of places, be warned that the seller does know the value of what he/she is selling. For this reason, don't expect to find any great savings. But do expect to find some exceptional pieces. Plus, if there is a certain piece or type of antique you are looking for, the seller may be able to help you acquire it.

Tip number three:

Don't forget online antique shopping.

Just like most everything that can be bought or sold, you can find antiques online. You can find websites for local, state or even antique dealers located out of the country. These websites can offer you advice on finding certain antiques, offer you advice on how to pick the perfect antique purchase and will even show you want antiques they have to sell.

Tip number four:

Learn the basics that tells if something is truly old (and possibly an antique) and look for such features as:

Square nails

Hand stitching

Hand applied ornamentations

Learn some of the styles that go along with such areas as: Art Deco, The Arts & Crafts Movements, and Mid Country Design

The pieces actually look old.

Look for higher quality than you fine in newer pieces (more details such as more decorative accents)

Tip number five:

Learn more about antiques. Read up on them. Frequent museums and many antique dealers. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Learn what you can about the particular style or type of antique the interests you most.

Tip number six:

Buy something you actually like. Don't just buy for the sake of buying something old or antique. Buy something you like. Buy a piece that you think will look good in a particular room. Buy a piece that makes you feel good when you look at it.

Tip number Seven:

Actually examine the piece. Look for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks. Look to see if the piece needs to refinished or repaired. If the piece does need repair, make sure the seller realizes this. It may lower the selling price for you.

Tip number eight:

If you are unsure of the value of a certain piece, ask for an appraisal.

Tip number nine:

Start small.

Start with one piece. Move on to a couple of pieces. Don't rush the buying process. Keep learning and studying as you slowly grow your collection.

Tip number ten:

Actually, use or enjoy your first sale.

Don't place it in a lock box where you can't see it or enjoy it. Place it on a wall. Place it on a shelf. Just place it somewhere, where it can be seen and enjoyed by all, including you.

Tip number eleven:

When shopping for antiques, dress the part. Don't look too successful or look like you have tons of money. Leave those fancy baubles you love at home. This means leave that fancy watch and those starkly diamonds for another day of wearing. If you look like you have money, the price of the antique pieces may suddenly rise (without you knowing it).

Tip number twelve:

If you are heading to an antique market, remember the early bird catches the worm. Try to show up on the first day and try to be there as close to opening as possible. If you aren't, you may lose the best pieces.

If you follow these tips on how to buy antiques, you may find that antique buying is easier than you first thought and just as fun as you hoped.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Get To Know The Fascinating World Of Antiques

Antiquing is a hobby, business and exciting especially if you are hunting it is a time worth spent. It does not matter if you are trying to make money or adore it they are as asset for ever. It all depends on who is collecting to make a label of what you are doing with antiques.

Many deal in it for historic purposes. They want to associate with a past use of the object as to how they were used as well who used it. Form tracing back to its origin they marvel at how we have changed today. This will bring some kind of vicarious living in the past which they never lived, but this object survived.

There definitely a challenge in this pursuit for some. These bring out the explorer character in them to forage different stores and sales. Some like to make this into an expertise game by testing different antiques for sale for rare items. They are anyway important factors to be a successful as an antique dealer.

And there are others in it just for the money. They know that there is market for it and know how to capitalize on it. It is true that there is a mysterious relationship to antiques just for the history some only are in it for the profit they can make.

These are the true business people. They can see an item that has a market and sell it for a great profit. So there are three types of people who engage in antiquing.

Antiques involve variety of items. The most popular are the pottery, furniture, china and paintings. The key here is that if an object is above 100 years old it is certainly called antique. Not all items over a hundred years old will have a market for business.

To make a good profit of an item there has to be a demand. If you are not interest primarily in profits then you can collect anything and make it an antique. Many do collect variety of items like toys, cars, books, and coins. You can make a profit get to know the market.

Take for instance you are collecting toys then you must put in some effort to know values of rare toys. There are in any market duplicate of the original and you need to learn the tricks of that trade. The fakes will not bring any money close to what the original will.

This is a fascinating and mysterious world. You can start with what you know and still can make a good go of it as profitable.

Learn more about antiques. Stop by Robert Fenn's site where you can find out all about antiques business and what it can do for you.

Maintaining Antique Furniture

Investing in Antique Furniture

Owing antique furniture is most definitely an asset. Anyone owning a piece of antique furniture may be able to get thousands of dollars, if it is in good condition. The value of your furniture piece depends on how old it is, where it was made, the level of craftsmanship and the condition it is in. There are things you can do to guarantee your furniture piece stays in a good condition and as a result maintain a high value.

Keeping your antique furniture clean

When cleaning antique furniture make sure that it becomes part of your regular cleaning routine; do not neglect your antiques. Dust your antiques every few days, once a week at the very least. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Avoid using sprays of any kind especially those that include furniture polish. Chemicals used in the manufacturing of these sprays for the purpose of repelling dust and grime can actually damage your investment by staining the wood or causing weak spots. Cleaning antique furniture should be about preserving it rather than adding to the wear and tear. What you can use to clean your wooden antiques is orange oil; use it once a week. Consider waxing every few months as well. Applying a thin coat of wax to the wooden surface of your antiques will allow it to shine.

Protecting the wood

Cleaning antique furniture can damage the wood if it is not done correctly so make sure you use all the protection necessary. Clean any liquids that fall on the wooden surfaces immediately and do not allow the fluids to sit. Cleaning antique furniture in this instance would require dabbing the stain with a soft cloth until all of the solvent has been removed. Avoid wiping it away, because it could cause more damage. To maintain wooden antiques in the best possible way, keep them away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can contribute to discolouration and irreversible damage.

Maintaining a clean environment

Always keep in mind that antiques are old and sensitive. To avoid damaging your antique furniture, make sure that you keep your antiques in a clean room with constant temperatures. Large variations in temperature throughout the day can be damaging to your antiques. Some antique collectors use humidifiers in antique storage rooms to guarantee the best return for their investment in the long run.

Always remember, that antiques are primarily valuable because of their age and condition. What will add more value to your antique are factors such as quality, distinctiveness, splendor and period. Antique collectors are always looking for the best age to condition/quality ration antique.

Antique pieces are generally very expensive and not affordable by the common man. Acquiring an antique will set you back a few dollars. To ensure that these dollars don't go to waste you should follow the above tips on a regular basis. Keep in mind that antique furniture can add style to your home and surroundings; incorporating distinctive antique furniture pieces in your home layout ads class.

Everything you need to know about Antique Furniture.

Buy antique furniture now. Start by buying antique chairs.

Antiquing - The Art of Antique Appearance

Many art lovers like to possess antique items. Whether it be antique furniture or antique jewelery, there are many takers for them. However, antiques have their own range of prices, which is obvious, looking at their timeless beauty. So, what should they do who love antiques but can't afford to pay for them? Someone has rightly said, Where there's will, there's a way! The antique lovers have found out the art of antiquing for satisfying their craving for antiques.

Antiquing

Antiquing involves a variety of methods used to produce an appearance of age and wear. It can be applied to a number of surfaces and materials, including wood, glass, metal, plastic, paint, etc. Some of these methods use glazes that allow colors to blend into crevices so as to give an antique appearance. The antiquing process usually involves numerous steps to obtain the proper finish. Antiquing, as an art form, is also taught within some art programs, sometimes associated with jewelry, metals or furniture design programs.

Give Furniture an Antique Look

If you want to have antique furniture, try antiquing your old furniture yourself. Here are some tips to do the same

Sand and clean the intended furniture thoroughly. Remove heavy grime with a wire brush and with the help of a barely damp cloth, remove the sanding dust. Paint the furniture with a light-colored base coat such as beige, yellow or cream to start with. After the base coat dries completely, apply a second coat of paint with colors such as burnt umber, sienna or olive. Wipe away the second coat of paint before it dries, with a rag. Be careful to leave some of the darker finish in the corners & cracks. Lastly allow the furniture to dry completely. And here's your antique piece of furniture!

Essential Antiquing Information

Many people today are finding they have more free time in their life. Whether that is from early retirement, job lay off or just the type of job they have. How they spend their free time varies a lot. Some start a second carrier others start a hobby.

There are many different types of hobbies. Some like the simple life and prefer a simple hobby like travel. Others prefer something where they have the opportunity to enjoy it and make some money at the same time. Knowing essential antiquing information is where you need to start if you want to spend your spare time antiquing or even make it a second carrier.

One of the reasons why antiquing has become so popular is because of movies like the "Indiana Jones" movie "Raiders of the lost ark" or "Tomb Raiders" starring Angelina Jolie. In these movies the main story is around antique hunting. These movies depict that antiques have stories behind each of them and that is one of the reasons why people get into antiquing.

It's because of this history behind an antique that a lot of antique hunters are willing to sacrifice a lot for them. An old topper hat has some value as an antique but Abraham Lincoln's top hat well that's a different story. The history behind the item is what captivates the interest of an antique hunter or collector. This is another reason why a lot of people are now getting involved in this hobby.

Collecting antiques is also a way of feeling connected to the past. Antique items give you knowledge about the traditions and cultures of the past. Most of those who collect antiques have a passion for the past. They want to know and understand how a particular antique was used, why it was created and who might have used it. Through this we gain insight into the past and how our world has evolved into the technological wonder we are often confused by today.

Antiques are elegant and they are a good investment. Hunting for antiques can be both fun and profitable at the same time. Whatever reasons you have for purchasing antiques, they really are items that are both interesting and valuable.

Some of the most popular items to collect are china, furniture, books, and toys. Although, any item that is over one hundred years old is considered an antique.

Some people purchase antiques for profit, while others purchase them for decorative purposes. This means that antiques are not only limited to those that were mentioned above; they can be anything that is old and someone wants to collect.

But there are a lot of "fake" items out there proposing to be genuine antiques. If you want to become an antique collector you must have the right antiquing information in order to know which one is original, and which one is not. A good antique collector knows right away if a certain item has value or not.

Antiquing could be the right choices for you, if you are looking for something to do in your spare time and you want to really enjoy yourself while doing it.

Tack Smith has enjoyed antiquing for years. For more great information on antiquing, visit http://www.newantiquingsecrets.com.

Antique Furniture Values: Tips On Buying Antiques

Collecting antiques can be very fun and enjoying especially if you have the passion for art and designing. When talking about antiquing, what commonly enter into a person's mind are artifacts, relics, or any item that is unique and rare. Although this may somewhat be true, but there is a deeper and a more accurate meaning for antiques. Antiques are known to be any kind of thing or object that is more that a hundred years old in existence. Meaning, it could be any item that exists for centuries already. Commonly, items such as pottery, china, glass, and furniture are being collected by antique hunters. And, one of the most sought after are antique furniture. The question is; how can you determine antique furniture values?

If you want to make your room or the interior decoration of your house look elegant and historic, then investing in antique furniture can be a very good option. The only problem is; there is also a lot of what are known as "genuine reproduction". As you know, "genuine reproduction" is also another name for "fake" in the world of antiquing. But, not all "genuine reproduction" items are worthless or have no value at all, though. There are also some instances where these items have value, but not as high as compared to real or original ones. This is one ground why knowing how to properly determine antique furniture values is very important if you really are aiming on getting the valuable ones.

Another reason why is it important for an antique collector to be able to determine antique furniture values is that there are a lot of sellers who take advantage of buyers whom they think are not aware about the real value of an antique item. They try to sell invaluable items at an expensive price because they know that the buyer won't have any ideas that they are being tricked. But, there are also instances where the sellers do not have ideas about the true value of an antique item. They sell valuable antiques at a cheaper price. This is one reason why knowing the real value of an antique item is very important in antiquing as you can either be tricked, or you can get valuable items at a cheaper price.

Margaret W. Moore is an art enthusiast and loves collecting antique items very much. She had been onto antiquing for decades and continues to share all her knowledge and expertise about successful antiquing through specific antique furniture values. She also compiled all her knowledge and expertise about antiquing and authored the book "The Hidden Secrets Of Antiquing" for the benefit of those who want to know more about successful antiquing. To discover more secrets behind successful antiquing, please feel free to visit her site http://www.superantiquingsecrets.com.