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.

Antiques provides detailed information on Antiques, Antique Collectibles, Antique Furniture, Antique Art and more. Antiques is affiliated with Traditional Table Lamps.

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.

Collecting Antique Watches - Hobby For A Select Few

Antique watches generally refer to mechanical watches that were made more than fifty years ago or more. Antique watches are not very useful in keeping accurate track of time, and instead make good gifts or a nice piece of decoration.

The antique watch business is a multi-billion dollar business. However there are a lot of fakes out there so buying an antique watch requires careful research.

A Brief History of Time

Some knowledge of mechanical watches will help a lot in judging the approximate date of manufacture of the antique watch:

1500s Peter Henlein of Germany created the first pocket watch

1660s Christian Huygens invented the remontoire

1680s Repeating mechanism for bells and sounds patented

1700s Rubies used in watch movements

1750s Enamel used on watch dials

1760s Lever escapement invented

1800s First self winding watch invented

1840s First watch to have winding and setting through crown

1914 World War I popularizes the wristwatch

1914 First wristwatch with alarm

1926 First water proof wristwatch

1956 First watch to display day and date

1960 First watch to have scratch-proof dial

Sources of Antique Watch

Antique watches of many established companies are available such as Rolex, Omega, Universal Geneve, Angelus, Vacheron & Constantin, Seiko, Benrus, Breitling, Gruen, Zodiac, IWC, Movado, TAG Heuer, Hamilton, Ingersoll, Shakosha (Citizen watch company of Japan) Gallet, Wittnauer, Bulova etc. There are a lot of sources on the internet selling watches online. Good buys can be found at auctions and second hand markets but the authenticity of these antique watches are doubtful.

Maintenance of Antique Watch

Maintenance of an antique watch is very difficult. The parts are not easily available and antique watches cannot be repaired at all watch shops. So do make sure that the seller also guarantees their repair if the need arises. Most antique watch sellers also provide maintenance and care manuals for the antique watch. Be sure to follow the instructions.

Cost of Antique Watch

Antique watches are available anywhere between $300 to millions of dollars depending upon the make, the date of manufacture, the history of the watch and the jewels in the antique watch. The market price of the antique watch is determined by its snob appeal and social acceptance.

Antique watches make wonderful gifts and give the wearer a distinct and artistic look. Antique watches combine artistic appeal and nostalgic charm. However, antique watches are costly in general and need a lot of maintenance and care.

For more on Antiques [http://www.antiques-trove.info/sitemap.htm] visit Susan's site at antique-trove.info [http://www.antique-trove.info]. Susan also enjoys writing on a wide range of topics at home-and-family-hub.info [http://www.home-and-family-hub.info].

Antique Furniture - Antiques Mirroring History

Any piece of antique furniture speaks of a country's past. Antique furniture mirrors the history of different nations on the whole. Antique's development is influenced by wars, travels and discoveries of its time.

Antique furniture from China became popular from among the Oriental furniture because of the travels of Europeans to that country and travellers from that country visiting other parts of the world. Other countries in the Orient did not gain much popularity in antiques as the Chinese gained. Korean and Japanese furniture are not considered so much for their antique value as that of the Chinese. From the origins of the Chinese antique furniture that can be traced back to second century BC, the transformation from tatami mats to wooden seats can be traced to the Tang dynasty. The Chinese antique furniture styles of Ming and Qing dynasties are particularly unique for their elegance and daintiness. The Ming style antique Chinese furniture has been considered to be the ultimate model of Chinese furniture, with its exquisite craftsmanship.

The English antique history can be broadly categorized into Renaissance and Restoration periods. Renaissance is the earliest known period in the English antique that represents Tudor style. A lot of influence from foreign furniture styles can be seen in this period. Restoration period or the baroque style was popularized during the rule of King Charles II. Renaissance antique was basic and without adornment. The patterns followed in this type of furniture were medieval and Gothic. The popular wood during this period was oak though later on walnut wood gained some popularity. Baroque or Restoration of antiques saw the use of mahogany and walnut and used less of oak. This period saw a great influence of the French and the Dutch on the antiquea and its accessories as well.

The French antique furniture has been a delight to connoisseurs of antique stuff. From the French furniture the armoires, chairs, chandeliers and tables are the most popular. The French furniture comprises both of the sophisticated items from Paris for the aristocracy and the rich, and furniture from the French provincial cities and towns that showcase talent of the districts. The other popular form from France was the furniture from country side that stayed up to the mid nineteenth century.

The American antique furniture is difficult to differentiate because the American antique furniture is influenced by the French and the English antiques. However, there is a distinguishing feature that defines an American piece which is its practicality. Most American pieces have more practical designs compared to their more lavish and elaborate English and French counterparts. For the American craftsmen, function was the primary concern, followed by decorative details. The American craftsmen differ from their European counterparts in this aspect.

Whichever country furniture you choose from, the best way to buy antique furniture is to walk into the antiques store, stay close to the pieces of furniture you wish to buy, feel it, and allow it to speak to you. Buying antique furniture is a matter of heart and you should buy when the piece relates to your aesthetic sense coupled with a sense of matching to your home.

Inessa Stewart, the owner of Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors lives and breathes antiques. Her passion for all things antique is known all over the world. From a small gallery to the largest importer of European antiques in the USA, she has scaled great heights ?in the world of antiques.

How to Preserve the Artistic and Historical Value of Antiques

One of the most significant characteristic of any antique item is its age. Since antiques have been passed down from one generation to the next, these items easily undergo daily wear and tear. Thus, any antique item demands considerable care to preserve and protect its timeless value.

While a professional antique restorer is recommended for more intricate and detail-oriented method of antique restoration, you can also do your part to help maintain the artistic and historical value of your collection. Read on some tips on how to clean precious antique pieces.

Direct sunlight is a no-no for antique furniture. You should never display antique furniture in direct sunlight or beside air-conditioning or heating units. The heat that comes from these sources will deteriorate the fragile state of the antique piece. Place antique furniture in cool areas or better yet ask antique experts of how to properly display your piece. Note that different types of wood require different temperature to maintain its elegance.

Use soft, lint-free cloth for polishing. Soft and lint-free cloth should be used when polishing antique pieces. You should never polish antiques the way you may polish your modern pieces. Remember that antiques are old and can easily be torn, scratched or broken if mishandled.

Move antique furniture with care. Because of the furniture's sensitive condition, you should only move antique pieces when you really have to and only with utmost care. Otherwise, let the furniture stay in one corner of your house to lessen the probability of accidental breaking.

Use your hands when dealing with antique ceramics or glass. Cleaning antique ceramics and glass is quite simple just by using lint-free cloth for regular dusting. However, unlike antique furniture pieces, wearing protective gloves in handling antique ceramic and glass is not advisable. It is more appropriate to handle antiques of this type using your clean hands. It is good to know that sunlight and humidity would not affect the condition of some antique ceramics and glass. To determine sensitive antique items, you must seek the advice of an antique expert.

Store antique ceramics or glass in sturdy shelves. The most common problem with antique ceramic or glass is breakage. Therefore, extra care must be given in its storage. You must never place antique ceramic or glass in unstable cabinets. In case of accidental breakage, place each piece even the smallest one in acid-free tissue and bring to an experienced antique restorer. You must never repair damaged antique pieces on your own to avoid devaluation.

Regularly polish antique silver and metal pieces. Antique silver and metal items are extremely delicate. Antique items made from these materials can react to natural conditions and may result to corrosion, scratches, dents and fractures. Regular and proper cleaning through polishing with soft cloth will reduce the difficulty of maintaining the items' patina. You should use protective gloves when handling antique silver and metal to avoid tarnishing due to body sweat.

Store antique jewellery separately. Antique jewellery is extremely delicate. A piece of jewellery is possible to be made up of several types of precious stone or metal in which one would adversely affect each other through time. This is why you should not store several pieces of antique jewellery in just one box. Make sure that you have a separate box for each piece to avoid chemical reaction.

Hire the expertise of an antique jeweler. Small jewellery pieces make it almost impossible to clean, so an experienced jeweler specializing in antiques is recommended to handle these items.

Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize your exposure online.

Guide To Purchasing Antiques

Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long.

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique pieces, such as antique clock or antique Chinese porcelain etc.

The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Before buying you must do proper research on the antique item. The internet is the best place to do research on antique items as it can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. You should also be careful about antique reproductions. If you are new and have not done proper research, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a reproduction from the original. Antique pieces should show some wear and tear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless than it probably is not an authentic antique.

The best places to buy antiques are at antique auctions. Buying from a reputable auction house or an antique store will ensure that the antique collectible is genuine, as it should also come with certificates of originality. To get that coveted item you should visit the antique auctions regularly. Garage sales are also a good place to buy as you may often get rare antiques at a very cheap price, but do make sure that it is original. Though the internet is a useful source of information, this is not the case when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos often hide the defects and deficiencies.

Proper care and maintenance should be taken to preserve antique items for ages. When buying an item, gather information about proper antique storage and antique preservation methods. Items should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. The antiques should be handled carefully. Excessive cleaning sometimes ruins the originality of the antique.

First-time buyers can also buy general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. Guides on specific antique items are also available.

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Helpful Guide in Buying Antique Furniture

The aesthetic value of antique furniture pieces is one of the reasons why many antique collectors prefer these items. There is a wide variety of styles and era to choose from. Antique collectors have, in some ways, mastered the skills in knowing what a good buy is, but as novice, you may need more time and experience.

If you plan to buy antique furniture piece to add glamour to your home, be on the lookout for reproductions. The following helpful information will guide you on the basics of buying authentic and practical antique furniture.

Observe the dimensions. Authentic antique furniture does not have uniform dimensions since wood, which most antique furniture are made of, shrinks with age. Otherwise, there is a strong possibility that what you are eying for is not genuine at all. To clearly see the various angles of furniture, take the time to view it in broad daylight.

Test the solidity of the item. Antique furniture has no real value if it loses its functionality. What use is an authentic antique chair when you cannot actually sit on it? Antique shops allow buyers to sit or move items for verification. Antique experts also suggest this method.

Make sure that parts are available. Good quality antique furniture has complete functional or decorative parts as well.

Look for proof of antiquity. Since the age of an antique is one of the major determinants of authenticity, you should have the assurance that the item for sale passed the age definition of an antique which is at least a hundred years old. One way to verify this is to look for signs of depreciation in the item such as dust accumulation in its corners which are hard to reach by regular dusting. If these simple signs are not available, experts say, the item might not be as old as an antique should be. You must also consider whether a piece of furniture has been restored or refinished. Restoration on antique pieces may decrease the value of the item especially if done poorly.

Examine the surface colour. The surface finish of a piece of antique furniture is also a significant detail to observe. A quality piece of antique furniture should show flat colouring except for some shades which might have naturally occur due to age. The back side of a piece may differ in appearance with the surface but it should have unvaried shades as well.

Interview the antique shop owner. You will get more details through a one on one interview with the shop owner. Ask about the era and style of the furniture which you may later research on to be more familiar with the item. You may also request for a warranty of the item.

Consider antique restoration. While some would no longer consider unstable antique furniture, you may choose to have the item restored to its former glory through the help of a professional antique restorer.

Antique restoration is the art of restoring an antique to its natural appearance with the purpose of making it appear new. In some cases, antique restoration refers to the process of restoring an antique for preservation or conservation of its features to avoid more wear and tear.

Get a second opinion. If you are hesitant about the value of your target antique piece of furniture, you may hire the expertise of antique experts. What's more, you may also have the furniture appraised to determine its actual value.

Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize your exposure online.

Information on Antiques Products

Antiques are one of the most sought after collectible items, since, that represents the charm of the bygone era. Detailed work reflects the craftsmen skill with unparalleled beauty. Antiques are known so simply because of their classic beauty & age old designs & patterns bringing alive the lost years. Found in innumerable types, shapes, sizes & used for varied purposes, there is absolutely no dearth of antique products.

Much attention is paid to bring forth the finesse & the detailed carvings & engravings which are skillfully done keeping them in sync with the timeless beauty & vintage design pattern. The antique industry is booming with every passing year & is making the art connoisseurs world over carving for more antiques with unique designs & look. Be it for decorative or functional purpose, antiques have found their way in every department without losing its flawless charm. Be it an antique clock, watch, furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting, weapons etc. all have their own niche market & fan following among consumers believing in decorating their personal space with the most archaic beauty.

Meeting certain parameters is a must in the case of antique products which needs to be properly cared to maintain the enigmatic aura of these out of ordinary items. Invaluable in nature, these are bought with immense care as well focusing on the key areas. The industry has made a marvelous growth especially with the beautiful blending of both antique & contemporary designs.

The collecting of antique furniture is a particularly popular area of antiques due to the practical characteristics of these antiques. Antique furniture includes dining tables, chairs, bureaus, chests etc. The most common woods are mahogany, oak, pine, walnut and rosewood. In Chinese antique furniture the most common wood is elm a wood common to most regions able to sustain trees. Each wood has its own distinctive grain and colour. Many modern pieces of furniture often use laminate or wood veneer to cheaply achieve the same effect. There are a number of different styles of antique furniture depending on when and where it was made. The most common include Arts & Crafts, Georgian, Regency and Victorian.

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How is the Value of Antique Determined?

An antique is prized for its rarity, artistry and age. Experienced antique collectors have grown accustomed to the basics of determining the value of an item. Moreover, they have the ability to distinguish an authentic item from a reproduction or a fake. For first time antique collectors, the skills of seasoned collectors may not be acquired easily. However, there are common guidelines to assist first time antique collectors.

Check the Manufacturers Markings

As first step, an antique collector should look for the mark or stamp of the manufacturer or designer of the antique. This would determine if the item is authentic or fake. An authentic mark of the manufacturer, when proven by an antique expert, would have considerable effect in the actual value of the antique.

With the help of the internet, a collector can use the net to identify recorded marks and then seek an expert advice to establish its authenticity in the item. Credible online antique appraisers may also provide the needed information by simply forwarding photos and descriptions.

Check the Condition of the Item

Take considerable attention to the condition of the item. An antique that is in good condition will have greater value especially if the collector plans to sell it in the future. An item with complete parts is highly regarded. A cracked or chipped antique is less valuable unless the item is very unique and historical. While some antique's cracks and chips have significant value to its artistry and age, it is still advisable that a collector search for an antique of his or her interest in good and acceptable condition.

However, some antique collectors can go ahead and buy items that have small defects if these have significant value in their collection. A good antique collector may ask an antique restorer to repair the antique item but extreme caution should be taken here. Not all antique restorers have the right expertise to restore these valuable pieces.

Evaluate its Rarity

Antiques are also cherished for its rarity or uniqueness. Rarity, when used in the context of antiques, refers to the quantity or number that is presently available in the market. A rare antique increases its monetary value regardless of its condition.

Therefore, it is significant to note that not all items which are at least 100 years old will have similar values. The value of any antique item is based on the marketing idea that when the supply is low, the demand for the item increases and so does its monetary value.

Prove its Authenticity

Authenticity is the most widely discussed subject when it comes to antiques. Accurate reproductions of antiques have risen through the years. An inexperienced antique buyer may have extreme difficulty in distinguishing a fake item from the real thing.

There are various sources which may help a first-time buyer to determine the authenticity of an item. If an individual owns an antique piece which belongs to the family heirloom, a provenance, a proof such as a receipt or a photo which will show the history of the item will significantly prove its authenticity.

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Picking Antiques and Profiting in 7 Days Or Less

Many find day trading a fulfilling investment, others find coin collecting and yet others real estate. Whatever investment interests you may have none can be more fulfilling than antiques. However, collecting antiques can be for profit or for decorative purposes, whichever manner you choose rest assured it's an asset that lasts for centuries.

Antiques are collected for obviously different reasons and it's purely personal to who is collecting them. Collectible represent items less than 100 years old, while antiques are those pieces older than 100 years. Many collectors of antiques have a considerable interest in antiques because they express historical events and give them a sensible setting of when a thing appears or occurs. By collecting objects of the past there are no limitations to a collectors imagination when they can connect to a period of time which they never lived, but the object somehow survived.

Some collectors find "antiquing" (the act of shopping, distinguishing, bartering or bargaining for antiques), to be considerably intriguing. They have a particular interest in items for personal use, gifts and in many cases, profit. The occasion of visiting garage sales, estate sales, resort towns, antique districts and thrift stores, tests a collectors ability to find bargains and rare items. Both of which characterize antiquing and are factors in being successful in the antiques trade. Although, many per suitors of antiques prefer to do so primarily for profit. They see a void in the market and they intend fill that void. More often than not, some antique dealers become consumed with the chasing of the dollar, they lose sight of the true beauty in the history behind that which they seek. These are the salesmen of the trade. They know how to buy and sell items with high a Return On Investment (ROI). The more accomplished collector is a combination of all three of these types.

As with investments, there are many different kinds of antique items for purchase. Generally speaking, antique furniture has a particular appeal due to the pragmatic nature of these antiques. This furniture includes dining tables, chairs, bureaus, chests etc, mainly made of mahogany, oak, pine, walnut and rosewood. But, some of your more popular antiques to collect are works of art on canvas, works in bronze, marble, terra cotta, parian, pottery or porcelain, artistic antiquities and objects of ornamental nature and glassware. However anything that is over one-hundred years old is considered an antique hence anything can be collected. The mere fact it can be collected as an antique, does not necessarily mean people will beat a path to your door to purchase it. If there is zero demand for what you have to sell, the hopes of making a profit will not become reality.Conversely if you are less interested in profit and more concerned with your personal satisfaction, then anything can be an antique. Books, cups, coins, cars, toys and many other things can be collected. The point here is while anything can be collected, you must know the market you intend to sell in. If your interest lies in books you need to know what kinds of books are worth investing in and which ones are rare.The rarest of books will yield a higher profit.

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Discover Antique Roses

Antique roses, also named Victorian Roses, are said to be strong survivors and the most fragrant of the roses. The expression antique applies obviously to its history. An antique of any kind, even so, will catch a collector's eye. What better to put near a museum, which houses antiques, than a flowering plant also named antique? Antiques of all kinds have gained in popularity over the years. It makes sense that a flower with similar name, would gain as well.

Although very familiar in the southern states of the US, an antique rose plant can likewise be found in other parts of the globe, including China, Canada, and Russia to name a few. Some places in the United States that are known for antique roses are: Brenham, TX (Antique Rose Emporium), Sebastopol, CA (Vintage Gardens), Laurens, SC (Roses Unlimited), Eustes, FL (Seminole Springs Antique Rose and Herb Farm), and in Canada (Pickering Nurseries, Inc.).

If you want your roses to stay strong in the winter, you have to be sure to not neglect them in the summer. A more healthy plant is a hardier plant. It is said that the fall's cooler temperature ranges will stimulate the antique rose plants. It makes sense when the cooler weather also stimulates us humans. Does not a cold shower tend to get the blood flowing? While I wouldn't suggest giving your roses a cold shower, except by nature's own rain, I wish only to make a point.

Many individuals start roses from cuttings. I am not one blessed with a "green thumb", so I have yet to use this. It is interesting to think that just a piece of another plant could produce a thing of such beauty when tended properly.

Certain things should be taken into consideration when growing roses. Things like the PH balance of the soil, insects, appropriate grooming and pruning, fertilizing, fungus, mildew, and a late freeze are some things to guard against.

Certain things that a rose might coax for your viewing pleasure, are bumblebees and butterflies. The're sure to be human visitors ready to pour their admiration for your beautiful antique roses.

Keep in mind that some plants will bloom just once every twelve months, so make your selection carefully. Be sure to consider your climate as well. Protect your investment and you won't be disappointed. The cost of quart sized pots range any place from $5.95 to $15.95-US dollars.

Antique rose memorabilia can be found in many shopping places that sell flowers. If cash is a problem, you can check discount shops, auctions, garage sales and flea markets.

You can learn items with rose themes in jewelry, paintings, valances, lamp shades, bedding, photo frames, stationery, and posters, to name a small number of.

Just the name, "Antique Rose", carries a hint of romanticism, class, and a particular sophistication. There is the old saying that a rose by any other name is still a rose! Ahhh, but the many kinds we are blessed with! And the name of this such kind seems to requirement respect.

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Antique Guns

Among different antique items, there are some that have become very popular among antique collectors. Some of these include antique jars from Asia and antique furniture from France. However, there are some that have become very popular among very specific markets. One good example of this is the popularity of antique guns among male antique collectors because of the appeal that these weapons have to men. In addition to this, the historical value of an antique weapon adds to the "thrill" that antique collectors experience when they acquire the weapon. Given the popularity of collecting antique weapons, especially guns, a lot of people are now showing interest in collecting them. Fortunately, starting an antique gun collection can be made simpler as long as you know where to find them and what you should look for when you buy them.

Starting an antique gun collection

Before starting your collection, one of the most important things you should determine is what period of history you would like your guns to come from because this can help you narrow down your search. Once you have decided on a specific period, you should buy a book or subscribe to magazines about guns, which can also help guide you on what you should look for when buying antique guns. Once you have done so, you can now start looking for antique guns; however, it would be a good idea to start small to limit the "mistakes" that you might commit in the initial stages of your collection. This is because some antique gun collectors make the mistake of going on a shopping spree when they are just starting out only to find out that they spent huge amounts of money on the wrong items.

One good source of antique guns is a gun show, especially those that are sponsored by some of the biggest gun organizations, like the NRA. These shows can help you gain access to a network that can provide you with important information about antique guns and on where you can purchase them. Lastly and more importantly, you should not be afraid to make mistakes because everybody does. Besides, these mistakes can really teach you very valuable lessons with regard to your collection.

Among male antique collectors, some of the most popular antique items that they want to acquire are antique guns. Fortunately, the process of starting an antique gun collection can be made easier. This is because there are some steps that antique collectors can take that can enable them to start an antique gun collection without committing some of the most common mistakes that some antique gun collectors make.

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Why Should You Buy Antique Furniture?

Have you ever wondered why antique enthusiasts pursue and buy antique furniture and other antiques with such great passion, and why they find it so important to learn as much as they can about the subject? What's the reason these items are so highly valued?

Throughout the world antiques are treasured because they symbolize an era that was, and is now gone. These pieces chronicle a previous period of time, a lost generation, or perhaps it's a period of history that we fondly recall. Antiques and antique furniture are objects that make history come alive for us, once again.

Historic value is just one of the reasons antique items have always been highly desired by collectors. Another is, they know that in time, the antiques they possess will be worth an amount far beyond what they originally paid for them. From antique silver to Queen Anne furniture, etc., there will always be avid collectors specializing in the acquisition of various types of antiques.

Collecting antiques is all about one's own personal choice. However, collecting furniture pieces is quite different from any other type of antique because, although you can look at, admire and enjoy possessing your latest treasure, these are items you live with and use daily.

It would be highly unusual for the average collector to amass a large collection of French 18th century armoires/wardrobes, as there certainly would not be room for them in the average home. Although furniture can also be looked at, admired and enjoyed, it is also meant to be lived with and used. When you buy antique furniture, each piece becomes part of your surroundings, your home and your life.

Antique pieces of furniture have been made for every part of the home. Some of the best examples are the living room, This room is where most of the finest 18th and 19th century furniture was designed and made to be used. French and English furniture designers of this period designed some of the most energetic and lavishly upholstered sofas, settees and chairs.

Many of these designs were revived in later years and continue to be stylish and useful today. Victorian furniture can still be found today and the Victorian wing chair is quite handsome and very comfortable. Antique writing desks and desk chairs, both period and revival, are highly desirable pieces of antique furniture to buy, even today.

Also, there are quite a few small, medium and large antique tables that are perfect for both occasional and dining use. And sets of dining chairs, representative of all the well known 18th and 19th Century furniture makers, are sturdy, well constructed and have withstood the test of time.

The unusual character of each piece's origin, style and period can significantly enhance the appearance of your home. And, if you buy only a piece or two (or even a whole house full) to decorate your home, it can be a great investment as well!

So, buy antique furniture for your home, even if it's only one or two pieces, it will alter it's look and feel. And, who knows, you may just find a real treasure for your own future gain...

Click the link below you'd like to visit my antique furniture shop. You'll find a large selection of antique furniture, lighting, accessories and art for your home.

Anita Boyd has been an antique dealer for over twenty years and collector for her entire adult life. She specializes in antique furniture, lighting and decorative accessories for the home. Her website offers a large selection of antique dining tables and chairs, antique writing desks, antique clocks, antique chandeliers and lamps and also vintage antique furniture.

Please visit her blog, it's full of valuable posts all about the magic of antique furniture and why you should own it.

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A Quick Guide For Finding Antiquities For Sale

Get ready to shop! When you are ready to buy antiquities, you'll find many possibilities available to you. Before you jump into finding antiquities for sale, however, you'll want to become educated to know what you're looking for; you'll need to have the available funds for your purchase; and you'll need to know where to look for the right products. Certainly, if you want a few lovely antique pieces for your home, you should become educated about antiques and decide on the time period and style you seek. Armed with this knowledge, it's time to get ready to shop for antiquities!

One of the easiest, although perhaps the most expensive, way to find antiquities for sale is to use antiquities dealers. These are educated and registered professionals who provide antiques to the general public. If you are searching for a particular antique and don't know where to find it, you can employ antiquities dealers to find the item for you. You will pay for their expertise and expense; but, you'll end up with the item that you requested without any hassles.

Another option is to visit antiquities auction houses and to look for the antiquities for sale at these locations. If you research into antiquities auction houses, you should be able to find a Sotheby's Christie's or Bonhams office somewhere nearby. They all have offices around the world where you can peruse the antiquities more closely before they are auctioned off. Then, during an antiquities auction, you'll be ready to bid on the pieces you like and to make an educated decision about your purchase.

Another great, and easy, option is to find antiquities for sale online. This is a particularly useful endeavor if you already know exactly what you want to buy. There are many antiquities auction sites online that will allow you to bid on specific items and to have them shipped directly to you. While you can't see the objects in person, you'll save a great deal of time, and potentially money, finding antiquities for sale online. Find a reputable antiques dealer online and enjoy the great experience while sitting at your computer screen!

Another option, certainly, is to go antiquing. Antiquing has become a fun activity and involves going to an area with many antique shops. Here, you'll find antiquities for sale and can have fun browsing through the vast selection of offerings. You'll need, however, to be quite careful if you decide to go antiquing, as not everything that you will see will actually be an antique. You'll either want to take along someone well versed in antiquities or become well educated yourself if you truly hope to find an investment of lasting value with this process.

One final option is to shop at garage sales. Certainly, while you'll be able to find many great discounts in this way, you may not find actual antiquities for sale. Once in awhile, however, someone does get lucky and stumbles upon a fantastic antiquity that is worth all of the Sundays spent hopping from one yard sale to the next.

Finding antiquities for sale is an exciting enterprise and one that antique lovers can enjoy. Whether you want to spend a great deal of time antiquing and traveling to antiquities auction houses, or you'd prefer finding antiquities for sale online or through antiquities dealers, you have a great deal of ways to find products you will love and cherish for years!

As an interior designer, I'm constantly on the lookout for the best antiquities for sale for my clients. When I'm not antiquing and hanging out at antiquities auction houses, I'm skiing with my two sons and dreaming about ways to enhance the interior design of my own home!

A Guide to Antiques

If you are thinking of investing in antique items, you would be surprised at the things that you first need to know before you go out and buy antique items. This is because, as with any other purchase, there are a number of things that you need to research so that you can avoid making a mistake in your purchases. Nowadays, this has become very true for antiques because of the proliferation of antique reproductions, which can make finding authentic antique items very confusing. One example that you should know with regard to antique items is the language that antique sellers and antique enthusiast use to describe items. This is because knowing the language they speak can greatly help you with your decisions.

Antique Lingo

First off, you need to know how people determine if an item is an antique or not. Apart from its age, which is usually set at 100 years, an old item is also considered an antique if it has aesthetic and historical value. Now that you know the definition of the word, you can now move on to some of the most commonly used terms in antique lingo. One of these is the term ?original finish,- which means that the protective coating of the item, like the varnish, is the same as it was first made. Usually, items with an original finish are considered very valuable.

On the other hand, an antique item in its "original condition" means that the item still has all the original pieces it was made with, which can also add value to the item. Another commonly used term is "patina," which is the look of an item caused by years of polish, dirt, grease build-up, and wear and tear, which antique dealers consider as the thing that gives character to an antique item. Another commonly used term is "provenance," which means the documented history of an antique item. One example of this is the value that antique dealers put on items that were used by some of the most notable historical figures, like a table that may have been used by a medieval king to sign a treaty.

Investing in antiques involves learning the ropes about purchasing antique items so that you would be able to make the right decisions in buying an antique item. One of the best ways to do so is to learn the language that antique dealers and enthusiasts use. This is because knowing the language can equip you with the right knowledge on what you should look for in antiques and how you can determine their value.

Antiques provides detailed information on Antiques, Antique Collectibles, Antique Furniture, Antique Art and more. Antiques is affiliated with Traditional Table Lamps.

About Online Antiques Shopping

Are you a part of the latest antiques craze? Compared to ten years ago, we are constantly bombarded with antique radio shows, antique television show that have become increasingly popular have pitched the idea of dealing with antiques to large international crowds, and the simple fact remains, the antique world is giving love to those who love the antiques... not to the bargain hunters.

Do you feel excited when you see an old toy, dating back 200 years ago and in mint condition, do you feel that owning something like that will give you something special, that the first person to ever hold this in his hands is long gone, but that there is a link between generations and across time because you are now enjoying the same thing?.

I know this feeling, and even though I did sell and still do sell some of my antiques, I hold on to many others, it is no secret that most antique lovers have to sell a few things here and there, but every once in a while something gets to you, sometimes even in a mystical way, its something you know you want to hold on to.

A very popular niche in antiques is old toys, the toys first produced when mass production just started, or even hand crafted toys that date way back. When shopping for antique toys, it can be extremely helpful to have a price guide in hand.

Many unscrupulous sellers are hoping to gain profit due to a buyer's lack of knowledge. Watching some of the antique shows can help educate you as a buyer. For a few dollars, you can purchase an antique toy pricing guide and have a firm understanding of how to find a bargain. If you happen to have collected many of your childhood toys and are ready to sell them, there can be a great deal of money to be made. Do some research regarding antique toy and their prices and some items may make you a mint!

An extremely popular collection of antique toys includes a wooding rocking horse. Wooden rocking horses are widely available at online antique stores and often cost well over $1,000 if they are in good condition. Some wear is expected, but the rocking horse must work and contain the original pieces.

Surprisingly, antique-toys sought after by collectors typically include marbles. One onionskin marble on EBay is currently priced at $500 and steadily climbing. While marbles may be at the bottom of your antique toys list, they can sell for huge amounts of money.

If antiques is your passion and you want to learn more the internet is a great resource of information, in fact, the antiques market has been growing in a phenomenal rate since the internet started catching on, people can trade and present antiques on Ebay and other auction sites. There is always a place for more people and more items on this market, and you may find out that its not that difficult to start doing things in the antiques market soon enough.

There is a great move in Antiques right now, learn more about Antiques Shopping online and off, at http://antiques.zupatips.com

Antique Books

People put a lot of value on antique items because people respect the fact that items that have been made many years ago still serve their purpose today. Evidence to the value that people place on these items is that antique items fetch very high prices, especially during auctions. Given this, buying antiques is not only a considered a good way to decorate your home but also as a worthwhile investment. As such, people who have recently purchased antiques can protect their investments by knowing the ways they can take care of the antiques they own. This applies especially to antique items that are very sensitive and are very vulnerable to wear and tear, including antique books.

Taking Care of Antique Books

In taking care of antique books, one of the most important initial steps that you should take is to know the parts of the book, so that you can identify the most sensitive parts of the books in order to know how to handle the book. The most sensitive part of antique books is the spine, which takes the most "punishment" when books are opened. It is also the thinnest part of the book. If the book is covered in leather, one of the best ways to keep the spine from breaking is to apply mild leather dressing to keep the leather from becoming brittle and vulnerable to cracking.

Antique books are also very vulnerable to humidity, which can cause the book to stain and fosts the growth of mold. Given this, it would be a good idea to keep the book in a clean and dry area. In addition to this, antique books should also be kept away from ultraviolet light because it can cause the leather cover of the book to fade. If possible, try as much as you can to cover your antique books with stable transparent materials like acetate, which can effectively protect your book from the "elements." Lastly and more importantly, if the cover of your antique book comes off, you should always ask the help of a professional in repairing the book because if you try to do it yourself, you can cause more damage and can diminish the value of the book.

Antique items are very valuable, which means that people who own them should take the necessary steps in caring for them. With regard to antique books, this is especially true, as there are a number of ways that people can take care of antique books, thereby protecting their investment.

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The Best Way to Familiarize Yourself With Antiques

The passion for antiques is universal, part of a reverence for the past that has traditionally been used as a yardstick for the present. An appreciation of antiques is a particular, personal way to preserve the past, both in the form of the objects themselves and in the information these objects convey.

Containing thousands of pictures of antiques, antique price guide can be perfect for someone to pick up the art of collecting and buying antiques. They give you a pretty good idea of current prices and help to familiarize you with the language of antiques. Adult education courses run by leading auctioneers, such as Christie's and Sotheby's, or local education departments are also now widely available and offer expert tuition in a particular subject. If you do decide to attend one, do not feel embarrassed about asking questions

Many people also feel intimidated about striking up a conversation with a dealer when visiting a shop, antiques fair or market. However, as I have found over the years, this is one of the best ways of acquiring knowledge. Indeed, most dealers are only too happy to discuss a piece and answer a reasonable number of questions.

But do be sensitive to the fact that dealers have to make a living. Pick a quiet moment when they are not busy. Attending auctions, which are held once a week or fortnight in most parts of the country, gives you the opportunity to view an enormous range of antiques and also introduces you to the real nitty-gritty of buying and selling. Go to the sale previews, buy a catalogue and, if you are particularly interested in a piece, ask to see someone from the auction house and discuss factors such as its history, any damage and the estimated price.

Also go along to the sale itself, even if you have no intention of buying, and write down on the catalogue the prices pieces fetch as they go under the hammer. By doing this you will be able to compare estimates with realized prices, and gradually build up a feel for how the market is doing in particular areas. By the time you have done all or most of the above you will have acquired a considerable amount of knowledge about the antiques you have become interested in.

Antiques are time capsules, and their survival carries with it a vision of other worlds and other times. The pleasures gotten by the pursuit of antiques are, therefore, infinitely varied and valuable as a basis for an understanding of the past.

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Narrowing Choices And Steps In Antique Collection

While many people started their collection of antique due to inheritance, a larger majority have built their collection from purchases from auction sale, antique shops, online antique shopping, yards sale and among others. Collectors travel from all over the world in search of collectible antiques as an addition to the already existing source of fortune that they have.

Collecting antiques is not just about having an astounding sum of money to spare but also having the right attitude. To begin with, one has to decide on the type of antiques to be collected. Antique furniture are priceless but such items are bulky thus difficult to transport as well as costly. Trinkets like small vases, chinaware, silverware, dolls and other ornaments does not take much space and effort to be loaded but are as equally as valuable.

After deciding on the type of collection, narrowing choices down to the era from which such antiques were produced gives one an educated guess of the age as well as the approximate value of the item as the older the item, the bigger the monetary value is especially those that have escaped the harsh environments unscathed. Furthermore, narrowing down one's focus allows for the chance to research about certain characteristic associated with such era. The Victorian era for example, was famous for women fashioning gowns that look like bells thus they needed big generous seats to make room for their expanding skirts. It is interesting to note that chairs of this era have wide seats and rounded back to accommodate bulky skirts to spread.

Next, decide where to make purchases. Most antique shops have standardized their selling price but buyers can still haggle especially if sellers are given the impression that a buyer is educated in terms of antiques. Antique exhibits, yards and estate sale and auction sale at times offer antique pieces at the most unbelievably affordable price. Online antique shopping sites on the other hand are well-favored because of the credible reputation that they have with their collector/shopper-friendly terms and conditions in conducting business.

After purchasing, it is important to have it appraised by a renowned antique appraiser. The value of which might make one to decide for an insurance coverage or not. It is a pre-requisite however not to attempt any kind of cleaning or restoration as it will affect the insurance value as well as the credibility of the status of the merchandise. Furthermore some insurers deny insurance coverage for antiques that have shown some degree of restoration or tampering of the original condition.

After having it appraised, it is the owner's discretion either to have it displayed, hidden until the price marks up overtime and sold or keep it as on heirloom. Many antique collectors have reaped a fortune through buying and selling. However, a larger percentage became famous because of being collectors alone for the purpose of self-satisfaction and self-gratification and not for the monetary value of their collections.

Antiques are largely collected because of their monetary value and the prestige it gives to the owner. However, one needs to be meticulous in purchasing as reproductions also abound in the market. For garden antiques, visit websites that offer and guarantee only the original as sharks in the antique world also exist and conduct fraudulent transactions. Check into antique tables for sale and make an educated purchase.