Collecting Antique Plates - Antique Dishes to Collect

Antique plates can add whimsy, draw attention and refine your interior decorating. They can vary from the very attractive to ugly and often come with rich stories. They make excellent tableware and displays and can become items of genuine value to sell at any time.

The most effective way to know antique dishes worth is by locating the mark from the maker and discovering if that maker is well sought after. The maker's mark is a unique stamp, trademark, and a date. It can have one of these or all three.

The maker's mark is commonly situated on the base and can help you to identify who manufactured the piece, the period and even the location of the factory. Sadly, with all the replicas about, your maker's mark may read "made in China" and not some famous factory.

Marks have at times includes stamps with words or names such as CJ Mason & Co., M Mason, Fenton Stone Works, or Lane Delph. Other manufacturers used markings with crowns or a coat of arms.

A common pitfall made by many collectors when antique dish shopping is the misguided connection between 'age' and 'value'. Because a dish has age and may be fifty or more years old, doesn't necessarily increase its value. Collectible plates are usually china dinnerware that is over twenty years old but other things like the year, manufacturer and even designer all contribute to the piece's resale value.

Strangely, imperfections on antique bone china should not trouble you. In some cases it might even add to the value as an even more rare and collectible piece.

What is important is the state of your piece; is it seriously discolored, cracked or stained? Do not buy a piece in this condition no matter what price or manufacturer are attached to the piece.

Check the designs. Are they stamped, hand-painted or a combination of both? Stamped designs became popular after the 1900s. In the end you are looking for a pattern that is striking from a distance and one that compliments your decor and the elegance of your room.

If you're interested in the pieces aesthetics and not necessarily interested in the resale value, then you should collect what ever strikes your sense of decor and your pocket. But if you are a serial collector then researching various markets, stores, and online will become your main play areas.

Fine China usually increases in value over time, as do dishes and other pieces that were manufactured in smaller volumes. Never presume an aged bowl is priceless, continually research the internet or through an appraiser.

Bone China while in the same family as porcelain, is more translucent. It may appear fragile but is in fact very strong.

During the Victorian era, the famous blue willow china became one of the most popular patterns to collect. It was so popular, that even fifty years later, stories about willow china still exist in children's literature.

Another popular Staffordshire pottery was Spode founded by Joshua Spode and credited withe perfecting the formula of fine bone china.

There are many more antique plate names worth collecting; some names you will know like Wedgewood and Minton others like Moorcroft or tetsubin you will learn about as you go along.

Don't expect to find the dishes you're looking for all in the one place or at the same time. You must research, scour and investigate every avenue until you find the right dish style you're looking for - and at the right price - to add to your antique dishes collection.

View the original article here

How to Find The Value of Antique China 3

Knowing things like how to recognize a fake or how to determine antique china value are a must if you want to be successful at collecting antique china. But being able to recognize the best price or price range for any or all of the antique china pieces you find can be quite tricky.

So here are some tips about what you need to be searching for in order to find a reasonable price for the antique china you find.

The style of china and/or the pattern on it are two of the major influences on its cost. You will find some patterns are highly desired and thus demand a much greater price. The particular dynasty an item is from is another large influence, for example a piece from the Ming dynasty may fetch an unbelievable price. Sometimes a piece that looks almost exactly the same could be worth hardly anything. The secret is to know how to differentiate between the two.

To value a piece properly you must also be able to figure out how old a piece is. One of the biggest clues here is the stamp, or emblem on the bottom of the object. Being able to date a piece accurately is crucial in determining the piece's value. It can also play an important role in determining whether the piece is genuine or perhaps a clever fake. Understanding how to identify antique china correctly will surely help not make the mistake of buying a fake and help you get the most value for your money.

One popular maker of china is the Wedgwood Company which is now slightly over 250 years old. People love to collect Wedgwood. One of the great things about it is Josiah Wedgwood marked all of his pieces with a signature to identify the piece as his. This signature also has the day, month and year it was produced. This is extremely helpful in establishing its value.

With online auctions today, antique Wedgwood China has become a very popular item to buy. But you need to be aware there are people out there creating replicas and fakes. The uninformed buyer may think he's found a great bargain on an antique piece, when in fact all he's buying is a piece made to look like it's an antique. This is made more difficult because you can't actually see the piece before you buy it. So only deal with sellers who have a good reputation.

Bone china is collected all over the world. It is hard to believe that the way it was made eluded European craftsmen for hundreds of years. It wasn't until in the eighteen hundreds that English craftsmen finally figured out how to make it and began manufacturing china.

The dream of finding a rare or valuable piece of antique china is one of the things that keeps many collectors on the adventure.

Once you have discovered the value of a piece of genuine bone china, heard its ring and felt the smoothness of its patina you will cherish it the rest of your life. You also won't be satisfied with anything but the real thing!

View the original article here

Essential Information on How to Sell Antique Mirrors

Antique hunters will often go to a lot of effort trying to search for wonderful pieces of antique furniture and mirrors. The best pieces can really bring a fresh sense of style and charm to your house. Like an ornate gilded French antique mirror which is so wonderfully elegant. If you find one of these antique mirrors for sale, don't hesitate grab it without thinking twice.

Floor mirrors sit on the floor held up by usually a wood frame, while wall mirrors of course are hung on a wall. When positioning either type of antique mirror in a room, remember to check out what is reflected in the mirror. If it is placed with thought, a mirror can make a room look bigger or it can become a dramatic focal point which could also become a great conversation piece.

These fantastic mirrors are truly wonderful to have around the house but what if you are trying to sell one instead of buying one.

Well there are many things to carefully consider about the different ways of selling antiques before you get started. Here I'm going to talk about four different ways of going about selling a good antique and getting the best price. But first some general rules.

• Don't allow anyone into your home without making an appointment with you first. 
• Don't expect the amount you might be offered for a piece to be as high as what the dealer will try and sell it for as he is also looking to make a profit. 
• Make sure you understand any fees that you might have to pay from the proceeds of the sale that apply to the different ways of selling your piece.

The first way you could try and sell you treasured antique mirror would be selling it privately. You could place an advertisement in a local or national paper or a specialist magazine on over he internet on an auction sit or through something like Kijiji. A couple of things to remember though is never include your address, and or use your telephone number. This can lead to theft or harassment. Have them get in touch through email. This method saves you having to pay fees but can take longer and you may not get the price you're looking for.

You could sell it at an auction. There are some advantages and disadvantages here. One of the advantages is your item is showing to several potential buyers all at the same time. A disadvantage is that an auction can result in a very low price depending on the auction on the other hand it could bring a very good price if people start competing for it.
First you should wait for the right auction before attempting to sell your piece. And don't forget you should agree on a reserve price before the auction takes place.

There are some fees here as well like if it fails to sell you will still have to pay a fee. If it does sell you you will have to pay the auctioneer a commission which could be as much as 25% of the sale price. There could also be charges for insurance, cataloguing, and even a handling fee. All these come out of the sale proceeds. Therefore the money you eventually receive often is a lot less than you expected.

You could try to sell to a dealer. You might want to look for a dealer that has similar items to the one you wish to sell in their shop. You should consider more than one to help you choose a suitable dealer. If they are interested in what you want to sell, they will certainly travel a reasonable distance to check it out.

The great thing about selling to a dealer is he will pay you immediately the agreed upon price though he quite possibly will pay you the least because he is looking to make a profit. If you have different dealers look at it the prices you are offered may vary considerably. This is not because they are dishonest, but often reflects their opinion as to what he believes he can sell the item for and how quickly.

Finally you could sell your piece through a dealer on commission. Some dealers may be willing to sell your piece for you for a fee. This fee is usually a percentage of the sale price. Often they will only take this on for a limited time. If you choose to sell this way make sure you agree in writing on the minimum selling price, the commission or percentage of the sale, who will insure the piece and if there are any conditions for the agreement to be terminated.

Whether you are buying or selling an antique mirror or for that matter any other antique have fun and learn all you can so you get the best value for your money.

View the original article here

Finding Antique Paintings For Sale

Paintings are very elegant and can really change the way any room looks in your home. They add color and style, as well as a picture that can take you to a faraway place or remind you of days gone by. Paintings add an artistic flair to a room or space. Having an antique painting hanging in your home will provide a beautiful environment to welcome visitors into. But finding antique paintings for sale can be a bit of a challenge.

You may wonder what qualifies as an 'antique painting'. There are differing views on this. Some people think they need to be creative works out of the Roman and Greek Empires in order to be considered 'antique' while other may say they must date from before the 1800s. Other collectors feel that antique paintings simply must be over 100 years old.

One of the realities with genuine antique paintings is they are very expensive. This is even more true if the artist is well known. One reason why some paintings become very popular is the stories behind them. Besides their elegance, the stories behind paintings are what make them interesting. Not only who painted it but who owned it and where it came from and how it got to where it is are all things that intrigue people.

Now if you want to start collecting them then I'm sure you want to know where to start looking for them. You also probably want to know where you might get them for the best prices.

Here are some places where you can find antique paintings to purchase. Remember to get a verification of authenticity with each painting you buy. This will help protect your investment.

One of the first places to check would be an Art exchange that specializes in paintings. Shopping at these can be more expensive but they are more guaranteed to be authentic originals and provide you with a verification of authenticity.

Another place that you might find them for sale would be estate sales. The family often will not know much about what is in the house and want to sell everything. Sometimes these are great places to find them being sold. You may have to go to quite a few of these estate sales though before you find anything you are looking for unless they are specifically advertized to be selling antiques and then you may have to compete against a number of collectors.

Though flea markets are certainly a place where you can find old paintings finding original vintage paintings is very rare. But when you think that some of the things sold here are from people clearing out their attic you in fact are able on occasions to find a diamond in the rough and be able to obtain it for very little in comparison to other places.

There are other places but the last I'm going to talk about here is the internet. The internet is extremely popular today and as a result more and more people are trying to sell thing over the internet. Searching over the internet for original paintings is a lot easier than anyplace else. And you can at times certainly find some excellent deals for paintings. The biggest problem though is fraud so you will need to make sure that they provide you with a certificate of authenticity for the painting.

So finding good original antique paintings for sale can certainly be a challenge. I am sure you realize that original paintings cost more than reproductions. Part of the fun of finding antique paintings is the quest, so enjoy the adventure as you look at these places and many more besides.

View the original article here

Characteristics of a Successful Antique Collector

So you want to become an antique collector? What makes a good antique collector, what characteristics does one need? Antique collecting, or hunting is an absorbing, exciting, and fulfilling pastime, or a full-time job if you're doing it for a living, and you need five special attributes to become an antique collector.

Be Enthusiastic
The first of these characteristics is enthusiasm. With enthusiasm you can do anything. You'll need enthusiasm to encourage you to learn as much as you can about your chosen field. The field of antiques is teaming with subjects - since just about everything will become an antique sooner or later - if it's older than 100 years, by definition its an antique. But even objects less than 100 years old are also included in that genre if they are thought to be worthy of the label. Because the scope of the subject is so vast most antique collectors specialize in one or two aspects of it. They might collect antique clocks, or old paintings, books, period furniture, you name it, the list is endless. Or they might specialize in a particular period in time, like the Victorian era, or the early settlers period in the mid-western region of the States. Following your particular branch of the subject requires knowledge and you'll only acquire this knowledge with enthusiasm.


Be Inquisitive
Another antique hunting characteristic vital to your success is the ability to be inquisitive. Have you ever wondered what was up in your grandma's old attic? Or what grandpa kept in that box in his bureau? One source of finding antiques is to attend house clearance sales. What's in that pile of old papers in that cardboard box? Go along to auctions and snoop around. Go into antique shops, especially ones off the beaten tracks - many a treasure has been discovered by hunters being nosey.


Be a Detective
And having an inquisitive nature is no much good without having its sister characteristic - that of being a detective. Once an interesting item has been found there's usually a good deal of detective work required to uncover its history. You'll need to know at the very least when it was made or approximately the era that it was made in. Who owned it, is it rare? Can its background be determined with any degree of certainty? Can its history be traced? The provenance of an antique piece can add tremendous value to it. Provenance is anything to do with its origin or life history which is of great interest. For example if that recently discovered set of cutlery was once owned by George Washington then that cutlery would immediately achieve some notoriety - provenance - and be that much more valuable than cutlery for whom no famous owner or user could be determined. The detective's expertise is extensive. You need to be able to tell the real from the fake; the restored from the original; and the repaired from the whole.


Be Knowledgeable
This expertise is only acquired through knowledge, which leads me to the next attribute - the ability to learn. You need to absorb as much as you can about your chosen field - it would be impossible to learn all about all antiques, so specialize on one area. Choose a genre - furniture, watches, old toys, farming implements, postage stamps, manuscripts - it's an infinite list, and study the subject with a passion. The sources of achieving this knowledge are almost as endless as the subjects themselves. Books are an obvious mine of information but do visit auctions, house clearances, and antique dealers and ask questions - be inquisitive! The only silly question is the one you don't ask!


Be Adventurous
Finally, be an adventurer. Explore your surroundings, go off into the neighboring town and walk around the curio shops, the old stores, the antique shops, the auction houses. Go into libraries and search out long forgotten manuscripts and books and search for information about local people and places. Find clues as to the whereabouts of the contents of old houses, or details about ownership of property passed down through generations - where are they now? Take the journey - search, be an explorer in the antique world.

With your enthusiasm, your inquisitive nature, your detecting ability and your intelligence born of knowledge you never know what you might find. Life is fun, history is thrilling, discovery satisfying, follow the antique collecting trail and enjoy it.

View the original article here

Great Org Antiques And Great Things

Professionalism is our middle name: Our panel of writing experts is our most prized collection. These talented individuals can provide you with great web content ...

There are few things in every person's life which play important role in various aspects. Some provide inspiration in his professional career and some keep reminding a person's pastime or about his forefathers. For example many women keep their mother's various kitchen item safe for many years and if they lose some of the pieces, they even try to replace the same with new one. Likewise there are millions of people around the world who keep books and educational material of not only of their elders for a long time but also their own books and various items from their childhood.

Other than just collecting antiques, one should also understand the actual value of different types of antiques. The most of important factor that you also need to understand is the condition of the antique. This becomes important especially if you are collecting antiques and great things from various resources like from auctions etc. This is very natural that due to the years of wear and teat that a hundred year old piece of antique furniture experiences, usually the edges of furniture becomes quite smooth and soft. In other case, if you find a piece of furniture with rough edges, assume that it's definitely younger than its looks.

As pointed out earlier that antiques are usually owned by some great people in the past and almost every great thing has its unique value that is directly related to some great personality of the past. Moreover emotional attachment also plays a vital role in making an ordinary thing popular and valuable able. Another important factor behind popularity of great things is the craftsmanship of their makers. Craftsmanship directly shows professionalism toward the detailed work of great things. Rarity of an item also makes it valuable and usually makes direct impact on its price as well.


View the original article here

How To Clean Restored Wooden Antique Furniture

Wooden antique furniture consists of intricately designed items with moldings, carvings, railings and decorative patterns that become medium for dirt and grime build-up. Cleaning takes some time using both corrosive and non-corrosive agents which in the process, the overall condition of the antique is affected. Thus, the authenticity of the merchandise may be questioned and so is the monetary value. How does one go about cleaning such precious items?

A god cleaning technique along with patience and hardwork can work wonders to furniture that has been stored for a long time. Antiques that are restored back as close to its original appearance however is more difficult to maintain. Because of it, observing the right technique in cleaning is essential.

The safest way to clean wooden furniture is by using the least harmful methods and that is achieved by employing the minimalists' methods - doing less but achieving more. A vacuum cleaner is definitely one of the minimalists' tools. Using it, nothing is being done to furniture except by applying a gentle suctioning pressure that removes dirt and grimes without using harmful agents.

A dust cloth that provides for a light dusting motion is another example that removes dust without creating rough surfaces, unwanted marks and scratches on the surface of the finish. A dampened cloth wiped over the surface picks-up more dirt and immediately following it up with a dry cloth prevents exposure of the furniture to water that may ruin its finish.

Extremes in temperature and humidity will result to an accelerated damage to the finish and eventually to the wood itself. Water softens the finish and the wood while heat cracks it thus a constant softening alternated with exposure to heat is a good medium for the merchandise to decay. The use of mats and glass coasters serve as protection from getting water directly into the surface of tables and other furniture.

Commercial cleaning agents such as soap, oil, cleaners, cleaning materials such as wool are available in the market but should be used with great caution as such agents can do more harm than good. Be sure to read labels and manuals with regards to cleaning instructions as inappropriately applying them with equally inappropriate amount or ratio will defeat their purpose.

The aim of cleaning and restoration process is to bring furniture back to its almost original condition and not in any way changing it. By doing so, an antique does not retain its originality but rather an entirely new piece of furniture is brought out of antique parts and that definitely destroys the idea why antiques are being collected, restored and displayed.

View the original article here

How to Determine the Proper Antique Books Prices

If you are looking at selling or buying antique books, you will want to know if the books you are looking at are priced correctly. Well, you need to know that a book is worth whatever a person is willing to pay for it.
Therefore if you consider a book to be worth the price that is on it then you're getting it for a good price.

There is a difference though if you want to make money buying and selling antique books. In this case you need to buy under market value in order to sell at market value and make money. So if you are just starting and don't know much about antique book prices, you will make some mistakes, however if you pay attention you will learn.

You can also learn through articles like this some of the keys to buy at a good price.
One more thing is the true value a book has, and the price a person wants to sell that same book for are quite often very different. An example might be if someone has a family bible passed on through generations of the family it can have tremendous value for the holder however it may actually be very common and of normal quality.

Therefore the fact is the price your highly treasured family bible might really sell for could be very small should you want to put it on the market.

So if your book is one of thousands printed and still available during the 1800's, then it is probably not worth much. Interestingly enough a Sears catalog would probably demand a greater price than a Bible printed in the same year. Why? Simply the Sears catalog is much rarer because they were not saved very often.

There are actual three factors that determine price condition, scarcity, and demand. Age really doesn't have a lot to do with an antique books price. A first edition book published in the 1900's may in fact demand a lot more money than an ordinary book a few centuries old. Book dealers don't really see a book from the 1800's as old.

Another factor is an old Sears catalog can be very attractive. Many of the old books that are out there just aren't that attractive and one of the things people are looking for is books that look good on their shelves.
Therefore an attractive book is more sellable and often demands a greater price then one that isn't.

One of the main factors that affects the value of a book is its condition. A book having its original jacket is included in its condition. Sometimes, the jacket is even valued more than the book itself. You should also realize that books with some of the pages missing are most often worthless no matter what.

A books price mostly is a reflection of how much in demand it is, its attractiveness, its significance and its rarity. So what ultimately sets an antique book value, rarity or demand? Sometimes that depends on how patient the vendor is.

Because book prices are in constant flux there is no universal price list. As a result each seller ends up determining the price they want to get for their books. You also might like to know that the selling price for Antique books is often negotiable, therefore it never hurts to offer a lower price; you may be surprised at the response!

Another thing is there are quite a number of antique book sellers online and they are an excellent resource. It is simple to check to see if there is an identical book for sale and what they're selling it for. This is a great help for both buyers and sellers. Knowing what others are selling the same book for helps you know if your pricing is good.

View the original article here

How to Find the Value of Antique China 2

If you want to start a collection of antique china you need to understand that there is a fair amount of knowledge you should acquire first. Knowledge like how to determine antique china value and how to recognize fakes.

You probably are already aware that the value of true antique china continues to go up. Recognizing the right price or price range for any piece of antique china can be very tricky. So here are some tips on what you should be looking for related to finding real antique china and at a fair price.

The age and style or pattern that is on the china has a strong influence on its price. Some patterns are quite desired and as a result demand a much higher price. Another major influence is if the item is from a particular dynasty, such as from the Ming dynasty where it can fetch an astronomical price. At the same time some items that look relatively the same can be worth very little. The trick is knowing how to tell the difference.

So before beginning buying or selling antique china you should understand that the most important part of trying to establish an antique china value is plenty of research. You need to arm yourself with as much information as you can about

• which kinds are most in demand
• which dynasties are most desired
• which patterns are the most collectable.

When you start looking make sure before you buy anything, that you check each piece to make sure it is undamaged.

Chips and cracks are unacceptable in any piece you are interesting in purchasing. Be aware that even a tiny amount of damage can affect the piece's value. Maybe in very rare cases a piece's market value is so high that minor chips and cracks will be overlooked. But most likely the value of the piece will be reduced substantially.

Crazing is also not acceptable for a good piece of antique china. Crazing is those fine cracks on the surface of the glaze. It is the result of temperature change and then as the dish is used these fine cracks are stained by the food and being washed.

Though it is fairly easy to spot scratches, cracks and crazing it is not as easy to tell when repairs have been done to a piece. Sometimes it's helpful to use a magnifying glass to really check it out. A new tool some people are using to help them find defects is a black light. If pieces are viewed with a black light in a dark room, it can highlight repairs that have been made in the past. And every little imperfection will lower a piece's value.

Another thing you must be able to do is determine how old a piece is. This is easily done through the piece's stamp, or emblem which is usually found on the underside of the object. Dating a piece is critical in terms of the piece's value. It can help you determine if the piece is genuine or a clever fake.

The thought of finding a rare piece is what keeps most collectors looking. Learning to identify antique china correctly will help you find good deals and make sure you are not conned.

After you have heard the ring of a genuine piece of fabulous bone china and felt the softness of its patina you will truly cherish fine antique china and will never be satisfied with less than the real thing!

View the original article here

How to Find the Value of Antique China

Are you interested in starting an antique china collection and are unsure as to where to begin? There are many different varieties of china available. It can be frustrating trying to determine which ones are truly valuable and which ones are not.

Finding antique china value is a process that has to be learned. The value of antique china depends on a few different factors, which include, but are not limited to:

Generally, you can find the age of china by the mark or signature found on the back. This mark will also give you an indication to the manufacturer.


Steps on How to Find the Value of China
Step #1 - Identify the China
The first thing you will need to do is to identify the china. There are a variety of ways to identify and find the history behind a china piece. It is possible for you to learn how to identify china. It is important to understand that while your china may have a sentimental value that it may not have monetary value.

Begin by collecting all the information you know about a piece. If the china in question is a family heirloom, then you can question people within your family. Someone may know a particular piece of information that will actually give you the date and country it was created. Write down everything you are told about the piece. Then try to decipher if all the information is valid.

Next, look for the markings or signatures. These are located on the back or bottom of a piece. You will want to look for the name of the country the piece was made in, as well as the year. This information became a law in the United States in 1890. Therefore, if the piece was created before 1890, you may have to do some more research.


Different types of Marks:

• Stamped marks
• Impressed marks
• Handwritten marks
• Paper/sticker marks

The stamped marks simply look like a stamp on the bottom. Impressed marks are actually cut into the china. Handwritten marks are generally a symbol or logo. However, they can be written in any language. Paper and sticker marks are printed and were fixed to the china with glue or shellac.

Other markings to look for are "export" marks. These marks are put on china that was made in one country and shipped to another. This is why you may see two different marks on the china.


Basic Guidelines for Dating Markings
The Royal Arms mark will be dated to the 19th or 20th century.When the printed mark has the name of the pattern, it can be dated after 1810.Marks that include the word "Limited" or the abbreviations "Ltd or Ld" can be dated after 1861.Marks that include the words "Trade Mark" denotes a date after 1862.

If you are trying to make a decision on whether to buy the china and want to find out its value, consider taking pictures with a digital camera. Take the pictures to an antique expert or try to locate the markings on the Internet or in books.


Step #2 - Check for Imperfections
This is an extremely important step, especially if you intend on investing and making a profit at selling antique china. With a magnifying glass and a black light, check the piece for chips, scratches, smudges, cracks, and stains. It is very difficult to see if a piece has been repaired without the use of these tools. A black light is great for helping you spot repairs. Under regular light, a piece of china may look flawless; however, under a black light, repairs will show.

To use a black light, take the china into a dark room. Shine the black light onto it. If there were any repairs make to cracks, you will be able to see them. If there were any touch ups with modern paint, the paint will glow. Every single imperfection will greatly reduce the value of the china.

Whether you are collecting antique china as a hobby or for a profit, you will want to make sure you are not being scammed. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself so you can truly enjoy the benefits of authentic china.

View the original article here

Hone Your Skill As An Antique Collector

Being an antique collector is quite an adventurous line of work as proving for the authenticity of an item is a difficult job as the keen eye for details whether or not an item is considered an antique is not acquired overnight but rather overtime. Years of being with antique collectors and expensive experience and mistakes along with wrong decisions that involves buying counterfeit merchandise, help one to become expert in such field. How does one become a certified antique collector?

Unlike other professions, there are no colleges or universities that offer a degree on how to become an antique collector. However, one can become an expert in such field and become skilled in assessing and evaluating for the amount of an antique, credible in authenticating for the reliability or originality of such items and become renowned in the society of antique collectors. How is it done?

To be able to be one, it is essential to visit historical museums, historical sites and homes, antique shops and stores. European countries have preserved many historical sites such as government buildings, houses of prominent figures in the history, parks and antique museums that showcase antique memorabilia, furniture, ornaments and artifacts that date back over hundreds of years ago. Seeing antiques in their actual forms facilitates easier recall than hearing how it is described and provides for a larger than life experience. Besides, first-hand information results to a more reliable and realistic description of the items involved.

Browse the internet and visit auction sites for antiques and sites that provide details about certain antiques for certain era in the history and compare prices. Learning about the characteristics of antique items for certain period of time in the history and for certain countries broaden one's perspectives and doing research for such is easier as the long list of search is already skimmed down.

Attending actual auctions in antique shops help one to distinguish rare from an ordinary and antique from what is not. Furthermore, such shops offer publications and references with regards to antique events and shows and what to expect in such events. Knowing the scheduled events will give you more time to browse the internet that will give you an advantage in doing your purchases. Having a basic knowledge on the price range of certain merchandise will surely help you avoid committing mistakes and lose a considerable sum of money. Besides, being with connoisseurs in such field is already a life-changing experience. Thus, it is better to be prepared than gamble your money without the guarantee of a sure win.

Collecting antiques is like gambling in a casino such that there are no guaranteed win. However, knowledge is the best arm against fakes, new objects altered to look like old and new merchandise fashioned from old parts and given new antique look to deceive buyers.

View the original article here

Start A Great Antique Collection

The question comes up of how one should start to collect antiques. Many of the collectors will tell you, it was not the decision of becoming a collector, it just happens. There is a passion for having personally treasured items, whether it is sport memorabilia, toys, characters, glass, cars, or anything else. So the first question back to someone is what is your passion?

As a kid, one may have collected something as simple as rubber fishing worms. The fascination with those then added lures and soon poles, reels and odd fishing equipment was taking up room everywhere. This now is a fishing collection. Finding things that one thinks is intriguing or unique is where to start. If you like it and it is affordable, buy it. Part of having a collection is displaying it, which may require bookshelves and shelving units to show off the collection.

If looking to make money with a collection, then things get a little different. Lots of reading and research will be required to know what companies made what products, when, and what the current value is of those items. That strange fishing lure purchased twenty years ago may now be worth something. Know what you are collecting. Regardless if it is buttons or bowls, learn what companies made those products. Purchase some books and read.

Learning how to tell what condition an item is in, is important too. Some items can have dings and scratches, which does not really affect the price. Other things like glassware, usually loose substantial value if there is a glass is chip anywhere. The better the condition, usually the better the value, but many times when one comes across these items it may be hard to tell how bad something really is. Use your judgment. If it is cheap enough and intriguing enough for you to display it and you do not care what it is worth, buy it.

The selections of antiques are numerous. One thing to keep in mind when looking, are finding things that would be of interest for more than one type of collector. A scenario would be, you are at a flea market and stumble across and old tin sign from an oil company no longer in business. This picture has an old truck on it, a tractor parked beside a building and an old bicycle leaning on the porch. This picture may appeal to collectors of old trucks, tractors, bicycles, oil collectors, artist collectors and maybe from a collector who only collects products made in the decade that this was made. It broadens the opportunity of being able to resell that item because you're not limited on focusing on only one type of collector.

If you take a look around of what one already has, they may be surprised to find out that a collection is already underway. Whether it is a type of material, type of art, specific toys, glass, kitchen items, or from a certain period, most people have collections. They may not be huge or of museum quality, but they are treasured and enjoyed every time they look at it. That is a collection.

View the original article here

How to Start a Military Antique Collection

Military antiques are one of the most popular types of antique collections in the world. Every country has their own form of military with their own form of traditions and history making, so collecting antiques from these fields is an fascinating hobby for those interested in history.

However, there are so many military antiques and they cover such as wide range of areas that it is often difficult to know how to begin a military antique collection. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Pick One Particular Collectible or One specific War Period
The best place to start is by choosing one particular collectible or one particular war to begin your collection. For example you might concentrate on only collecting antique medals or guns. Or perhaps you will want to choose to collect only antiques from the Second World War and from a certain battle or two.

Look For Antiques in Good Condition
An antique bayonet that looks almost new is worth more than one that is rusted through. A well preserved uniform is more collectible than one that is filled with moth holes and has missing buttons. However, keep in mind that if you are collecting an antique gun that is supposed to have a bayonet attached having that bayonet even if it is in poor condition will make the gun worth more than one without a bayonet at all. You will also need to keep in mind that an item that is not in pristine condition but is extremely rare to own may be worth far more than military antiques that are in great condition but are extremely easy to come by.


Learn All You Can About the History That Surrounds Your Chosen Memorabilia
Make the effort and take the time to research the history surrounding your chosen memorabilia. For example if you have chosen to collect medals given out during WWI learn what each medal was given for, how many were given out during the conflict and what the criteria was for awarding the medal. Knowing more about the general history will help you determine which medals were more valuable and what additions will round out your collection.

Know the Places to Search
Know where to go to find the type of military antiques you want. While auctions are always a good bet there are also less known places to look such as eBay, estate sales and other places. When you do make a find take the time to find out as much as possible about the individual antique you are interested in. Personal stories adds to the joy of your collection and records, photographs and other materials may increase the items value.

Collecting military antiques can be an interesting and lifelong hobby that will bring you many hours of pleasure both in searching for items to add and in viewing your collection. By starting slow and only purchasing those items you truly want to add to your collection you can build a military antique collection of which you can be truly proud.

View the original article here

How You Can Discover Good Antique Book Prices

How can you know whether the antique book you're looking at is priced right? Who decides anyway what an antique book is priced at? How can you discover what good antique book prices are? If you are looking at buying or selling antique books, you'll need to understand the answer to these questions before you start. If you know very little about antique book prices, you are probably going to pay too much for a book or make mistakes, but you can learn.

Someone once said there are three factors that determine the price of antiques that have nothing to do with their age. They are, condition, condition, and condition. So without seeing a book and researching it, it's impossible to have any idea how to value it.

Another thing is the value someone places on a book, and the price someone wants to sell the same book for may be two completely different things. For example if you have a family bible passed down through the family for generations, it has tremendous value to you but it actually is a very common and normal quality bible. So the truth is your highly treasured family bible might really only be worth a few dollars if you wanted to sell it.

There really are three factors that determine price: condition, scarcity, and demand. The age of a book has little to do with its value. A first edition book from 1900's will often bring a lot more than an ordinary book a couple of hundred years old. To a book dealer, a book from the 1800's is not old. Instead a book needs to be dated in the sixteen hundreds or earlier to be considered old.

As has been already said the variable that most strongly affects the value of a book is its condition. And this includes that the book has its original jacket. Though the jacket may seem unimportant, in fact it is the most likely part to be damaged or missing. Sometimes in fact, the jacket might be more valuable than the book itself. Books with missing pages are almost always worthless no matter what.

So if the condition of a book is good, what other considerations affect its price? Price is really a reflection of how desirable it is. So the price of an antique book is determined by its significance, its rarity, and its attractiveness.

So what really sets the value of an antique book rarity or demand? Well, probably it depends somewhat on how patient the seller is.

Unfortunately, there really is no universal set price list. This is because prices are constantly changing. As a result each individual decides what to charge for their antique books. Reputable vendors whether online or local should have a good idea of what the fair market value of a book should be.

That brings me to something else. There are a lot of online sellers of antique books and they are a great resource. You can easily check to see if there is a similar book for sale and what they are selling it for, which will help you know if the book you're looking at buying or wanting to sell is priced right.

One last thing Antique book prices are sometimes negotiable, so it never hurts to make a lesser offer; you might be surprised by the response!

View the original article here

Factors that Determine Antiques Value

If you want to make some money buying and selling antique furniture there is a fair amount you will need to know. To make a profit you certainly will need to be able to value accurately the furniture you are thinking of buying.

You need to gain as much knowledge as you possibly can especially about the specific area of antiquing your most interested in. This is a must, if you plan to make buying decisions that are both good and profitable. You will also want to know what you should be looking for in a vintage piece of furniture that makes it not only old and attractive but valuable.

First of all you need to have a good knowledge of the various kinds of furniture that are considered antiques. Along with that you'll also need to know the general values that these kinds of furniture typically have. It is also great to know the name of the individuals or companies that were known to have crafted a lot of the furniture that was made about 100 years ago. The internet is a great source of information like this and you should be able to find a lot of this information there.

Beyond who made it there are many elements used to establish antique furniture values and each of them is important to be able to do it accurately.

So let's look at the main factors which determine a piece of antique furniture's value.

People talk about antique furniture in four primary categories :

• English
• European
• American
• Far Eastern. 

These categories can be broken down into many sub-categories.

There are also many additional factors which play a role in a piece of furniture's value. One of the primary things is its condition and another is how old it is. Plus other things like the kind of wood used in making a piece of furniture or if it has all its original hardware and pieces and nothing has been altered. These certainly are important in determining value.

Another major factor is the historical background of a piece which plays an enormous part in its value. That is why it's important to do some extra research about certain antiques you come across as this will assist you in discovering their historical background. You will also get to know more about the story behind the folks who originally owned them. Some antique sellers will in fact make up a story or infer that the furniture has some historical importance (like it used to be owned by somebody important or well-known) in order to try and sell it.

You really must have an ability to discern well while shopping for antiques because even if it looks old that does make it an antique. Beyond that, even if it really is old, if no one wants it; it really is worth very little. On the other hand, pieces that are less than 100 years old can be very collectible if there is a good demand for it and it could have a high value. A pieces value is often based on its demand which can be connected to it having a limited supply.

So, when you are trying to buy a piece of vintage furniture from someone, knowing these tips on how to determine its true value is crucial. It also is a factor in being able to get it for a fair price.

• Remember, one of the major factors in determining value is condition. 
• Check each piece out completely. 
• Don't buy on a whim; take some time to research the piece to make sure it is an authentic piece. 
• Make sure you get a second opinion. 
• Finally, enjoy yourself and buy only what you like. That way you will never get stuck with something you don't like or want.

View the original article here

Common Myths about Snuff Bottles

While the popularity of snuff, also known as smokeless tobacco, has died down in most countries, these bottles are still loved and used by thousands of people around the world. In this article we are going to discuss the most common myths surrounding snuff bottles and the history behind them.

There is only one sort of snuff bottle - the British kind. False.
While the whole process of snuff and snuffle bottles might have started in Britain, it didn't end there. Middle-class and upper class gentleman in China started using smokeless tobacco regularly in the Qing Dynasty. It was during this time that the Chinese Snuff bottles became extremely popular. Chinese artisans took the desing to the next level of made these seemingly everyday objects into sublime works of art. It is due to the Chinese and their beautiful craftsmanship and it is because of them that bottles that were once used for snuff are still extremely popular.

You can only use snuff bottles for snuff. False.
While this might have been true during the hey-days of snuff users, it is no longer the truth. There are a lot of people who use these attractives bottles for carrying perfume, certain smaller objects or even as a flower holder. It really depends on what your imagination is limited to. If you love the unique look about a snuff bottle but don't use snuff, don't be discouraged. You can start a collection of snuff bottles. These collections are often prized by their owners and if done correctly, can be a very good investment.

You can only buy quality snuff bottles in China. False.
It is true that the best quality bottles are made in China. However, it is not true that you can only purchase them in China. There are certain stores and people in the United States who specialize in sourcing the highest quality bottles on the market. Due to the fact that they're importing them in larger quantities, you'll know you're getting a great price. The prices are extremely reasonable, though they do depend on the person you want to purchase these bottles from.

While these myths are the most common ones when it comes to snuff bottles from China they are not the only ones. These bottles are popular for a reason and can be found in the United States if you find a valued and professional importer of Chinese products.

View the original article here

Online Antique Appraisals

The buying and selling of antiques is far easier today thanks to the World Wide Web - but it does make it riskier too. If you are buying anything from afar, how do you make sure what you are buying is worth the amount you are paying for it? Antique appraisals though, don't have to be difficult in the online world.

Thanks to the Antiques Roadshow reality TV show, antique experts invaded ordinary homes to root out and value any rare pieces that people might have stashed away in their attics. The whole selling-antiques-from-home business just got a whole lot busier, and a small-scale industry has sprung up to cater for it. Online appraisals has been the name of the game ever since.

It's not difficult to find free appraisal services online. A few of the most popular online services would be Priceminer, WorthPoint and Prices 4 Antiques, they are great at giving quick and free appraisals. Even paid online services are far cheaper than anything a real traditional service would charge, Antique-appraise.com has prices starting at $10.

The biggest problem with getting an appraisal online is that there is only so much that anyone can say about a piece, sight unseen, no matter how expert they are. An important detail could easily overlooked when they haven't had a chance to hold the item and inspect it closely. Still, even if they aren't perfect, an online appraisal is worth a lot more than the $10-$12 you pay for them.

Of course, a lot depends on how capable your specific appraiser is. It's difficult to ask for an expert by name, so you usually have to go with the expert you are assigned. If you find someone who is less than dependable assigned to you, you could be in big trouble. They would give you a hasty evaluation, probably because they are paid no more than five dollars for it. In the end, going with their opinion could cost you dearly. But the online services do evaluate the credentials of appraisers before retaining them.

Getting an online appraisal can still be a leap in faith, this is because that there is no licensing authority that appraises the appraisers. In the end, online antique appraisals can be a useful tool as long as you have a healthy amount of skepticism to go along with it. that would be a good rule to live by anywhere.

View the original article here

Antique Restoration

An antique that is in its almost original appearance that requires minor restoration is such a great find. However, it seldom happens as most antiques, as the name implies are expected to have undergone some point of degradation due to time, environment and other factors. For such reason, the antique restoration industry serves their purpose and antique restorers reap a substantial amount of money for exceedingly well done jobs.

Restoration of antiques involves several processes which are considered talent by some antique collectors. After all, such processes involve art masterpieces restored to beauty by equally talented antique restorers.
One of the processes involved is the removal of stain, grimes and dirt build-up accumulated for over a hundred years. Cleaning furniture with intricate designs require extra attention using vacuum cleaners, wool, toothbrush, dry and slightly dampened cloth particularly avoiding prolonged exposure to water and other corrosive cleaners that damage the wood. A slightly sharpened edge of a knife is used only as the last resort if the dirt has hardened and cannot be removed by conventional manner.

Another processes applied in the restoration is stripping, which is composed of removing faded and chipped-off paints and varnish from wooden antique furniture. Many antiques are multi-coated, therefore removing the paint proves to be difficult. However, commercially available paint stripper and oven cleaners which are quite expensive depending on the brand can do task so well as well as in saving time, effort and length of exposure to inhaled toxic substances. If the original varnish still looks good, then it is better to leave the furniture as it is, especially if the item is bought for the purpose of reselling.

After the paints or varnish are removed, the wooden furniture is slightly rubbed with a fine 100-grit sandpaper to expose the natural wood grains and remove remaining minute traces of old paints. It is important to follow the direction of the grain and never across as doing so will only create unsightly scratches. After which, the furniture is brushed and sometimes vacuumed to remove the dust.

The final process is the application of final finish or refinishing. Modern technology has now produced special coating agents that do not only protect furniture from stains, water and termites but also highlights the natural wood color, giving it a deeper and glossier color.

Restoring and reclaiming the beauty of antique furniture is a laborious undertaking, however the joys that it bring to an antique collector is priceless and more profound. For a true blue antique collector, passion and happiness weigh more than the monetary value of such items.

View the original article here

Tips on Buying Antique

Antique buyers are not born with skills in identifying antiques but rather develop it overtime. Just like in any other form of business, an individual totally new to the world of antiquities may encounter various forms of discouragement that may come in several hundreds of dollars of losses. Thus it is vital for a new collector to develop skills or personal guidelines so that losses may be prevented.

Before embarking on an antique adventure, always know your priorities and what you need. If you need a dining table for example, it is important to know the dimensions of your house such that you will not make a mistake of buying something which will end-up in the garage because it is too big to fit into your door or make the room too crampy. Thus it is basic to take measurements well ahead of time, before buying antiques because whatever pieces your eyes may lay upon on that very same moment will not be around if you take some time to go back home and take the dimensions of the area where it will be placed.

Know about the places where original antiques are being sold. Places such as reputable antique shops, auction houses, estate sale and antique shows are some of the best places where antique finds are sold and guarantee value for money although prices are generally set according to standards.

Brush into some basic information and learn about the distinct quality of antique items of a particular era or a mark of high quality. Mahogany for example was popular during the renaissance period thus if you see a coffee table with intricate wood carvings made of mahogany, then it is likely that it was produced during such era. Asking the right questions gives the right impression that you are not just an ordinary buyer but an experienced antique collector.

Having basic information definitely gives you the chance to haggle and save a few hundreds of dollars compared to a person who just gets into an antique shop without any knowledge of any particular and decides to buy without haggling. Furthermore, haggling also makes one look like an experienced buyer.

Antique prices usually mark down if they hear that some shops offer cheaper items although some religiously follow the standard pricing. In antique shows however where many antique owners compete with each other, haggling is the name of the game if you want to get the most value for your money abd end-up with priced merchandise.

Buying antiques is just a matter of projecting the right attitude at the right time. Even if you have thousands of money to spare, it is essential to buy the original and not the reproduction as the true essence of collecting antiques lie in the thought that the items bought are authentic and that what brings prestige.

View the original article here

Value of Antique Furniture

Antique furniture values generally always appreciate. In order to get the best out of antiquing it is important that you are able to establish antique furniture values for yourself, if furniture is indeed the niche that you are particularly interested in.

The first key to determining the value furniture antiques is to assure that the furniture is truly antique. With increased ability of truer modern-day copies, one must develop a keen eye. Learning the difference in antiques and modern-day replicas is the first step to determining the value of your antique. You must be knowledgeable about the brands or the name of the person who crafted or made the furniture. This can be achieved by researching about particular vintage furniture in books or on the internet.

The other thing that influences antique furniture values is the items collectability. In such cases, you can bargain on antique values and get a good deal. But always keep in mind that the person who is selling the antique is only up to one thing; to gain profit out of the item.

Getting a feel for the value antique you are looking at is an absolute prerequisite to seriously taking up this realm of antiquing. Antique furniture values can vary widely, depending on exactly what type of antiques we're talking about. Plus, antique furniture values are heavily influenced by the condition of the joints and how stable the piece is. The condition of the piece of furniture will also determine its value. Determine if the furniture is structurally sound. Look for signs of repair work on the piece, including refinishing. While an antique that is in "mint" condition is much more valuable than one with some scratches, if you try to repair the scratches, then you will devalue the piece.

Conduct enough research to learn about the era of when the furniture was made to determine the age of the piece. Find out how many pieces of this particular piece of furniture were made because, The fewer items there are of a particular antique, the more valuable the antique is likely to be. You must also be able to determine whether the furniture you want is an American or European antique. Having knowledge about these two will help you determine both their antique furniture values

View the original article here

Antique Collection As A Career

Antique collection is a very exceptional hobby or to some, an extravagant diversion as cultivating such activity provides therapy, fun and involves a huge sum of money. Collection of items could be vary from anything such as miniature glass or tea sets, coins, mud pieces, clay articles such as vases, furniture clocks, memorabilia, etc.

Antique collectors several decades ago were luckier as they were able to find antiques from digs and deep excavations of immense value compared to collectors nowadays because most finds come from shops and not from historical sites anymore and mostly are at exorbitant rates.

Because antiques are profitable, informed and educated buyers amass antiques of different kinds from coins to furniture, store them for a while and later sell it at a price way greater than the amount that they have originally paid for. Furthermore, pricing is difficult as one is not fully guaranteed a fair price.

How does one validate that such treasures are 100 years old or over? By visiting a local library, where records about the history, culture, civilization and the likes, a collector is given a bird's eye view about the past and what kind of antique goods are expected. Certain books list some of the ancient relics and artifacts of a local community where possible antique goods are sold in antique shops.

Browse on the internet as there are a number of websites that offer helpful information regarding certain items' detailed information. The internet also provides visuals where collectors are given a full view of the items in different angles. Furthermore, it lists some of the collectors' names where meeting them personally is possible.

Visit museums and attend exhibits. Attending to various collectors' activities and meeting collectors from all walks of life and age brackets broadens one's perspective and knowledge with regards to collecting as experience is the best teacher in life and learning from an accurate perspective provides greater memory recall.

Find a reliable appraiser who can guarantee the authenticity of the item. Appraiser should be highly skilled so that they will be able to give accurate estimate of the monetary value of the antique. The internet, phonebooks and some local library lists some of the reputable antique appraisers.

Collecting antiques is a worthwhile activity and at the same time a profitable venture compared to being idle, aimlessly channeling time and attention to other purposeless pursuits thus wasting time, money and effort. As workplace is a source of a myriad of stress, amassing antiques is a stress-releasing encounter that provides enjoyment and fulfillment and not to mention the possibilities of a financial reward.

It is time that you consider a career in antique collection, start collecting French antiques furniture and discover a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Create an awesome collection of French dining tables and experience a French connection that will surely interest some of the finest collectors in your community. Learn more of this profitable venture by visiting websites that will surely encourage you to collect more.

View the original article here

Chinese Snuff Bottle

We've all heard about the snuff bottle (especially the British sort) but the more elusive Chinese snuff bottle is not as well known. In Chinese history these bottles are considered unique because of their curious, expensive and artistic nature.

The bottles were designed to carry snuff, a type of smokeless tobacco, which became popular during the Qing Dynasty. The smokeless tobacco was often used by middle and upper class gentlemen in the 19th century. They thought it was a preventative against any dyspepsia or colds. Interestingly enough, offering a guest a pinch of snuff while in your home was also seen as an act of friendship. The host would be accepting the guest into their home as a friend and as a fellow gentleman.

Due to the fact that these snuff bottles were used by upper class gentleman, they were designed in a very specific and expensive way. Unusual materials were used to create a Chinese snuff bottle. A few of the materials used were glass, porcelain, coral and even precious stones. The more elaborate the material, the more pleased the owners were.

When a Chinese snuff bottle was made from precious stones, these bottles bottles were carved with certain textures to accentuate the natural beauty of the precious stones. If the bottle was made from either glass or porcelain then they were painted on. The paintings were generally done in a traditional Chinese watercolor style.

In modern times, however, the art and created of a Chinese Snuff Bottle has changed dramatically. While the shape and the style of the snuff bottles are still the same, they are usually made of glass. As the Chinese craftsman have become more imaginative they have also started using a technique called "inside reverse painting". This technique has only been mastered by a few people in the world and is extremely pain-stacking.

The artist will put a small brush through the neck of the bottle to paint it from the inside out. The paints used are a basic Chinese water color but mixed with acid. The acid is used to help the watercolors adhere to the glass bottles. The acid also helps the colors from fading. This means that when you purchase a bottle for snuff that you're getting a life-time product that will retain it's beauty.

A Chinese snuff bottle is an exceptional piece of work of art and is a wonderful addition to any collection of oriental art.

View the original article here

Difference Between Antique And Collector's Item

Collecting antiques of any kind is such an extravagant hobby. However, for hobbyists, such activity is a source of fulfillment and contentment that no amount of money can ever surpass. Collecting antiques for the purpose of buying and selling on the other hand, is a lucrative business especially if such finds are of great monetary value and interest to the collecting public.

Antique-collection is a complicated undertaking as there are no schools or governing bodies that educate a beginner and there are no blueprint rules that define boundaries and scope of limitations that categorize whether an item is antique or not. Furthermore, there is a big difference between a collectors' item and an antique.

First, we have to draw a line between an antique and a collector's item. An antique is an old collectible item, 100 years or older which represents a point of an era or period of time in the history and collected because of its beauty, uniqueness, rarity, condition, extraordinariness and preciousness passed down as an estate or heirloom. Furthermore, not all antiques are of immense value as some may be as cheap as a dollar and as expensive as thousands of dollars as the value of an antique is determined by its appeal, rarity and social acceptance and pricing is difficult as what may be rare, priceless and unique to a person may not always apply to all.

A collectors' item on the other hand, does not necessarily be an antique. Such items are produced without deliberate intention to make it as a collector's item but it becomes one due its uniqueness, production flaw and sometimes human error and circumstances that brought its creation making it a sought-after item because of its monetary value. The number of production therefore, commands the price of the collector's item. Most often, it is the collecting body that dictates whether an item is collectible or not even if the manufacturer says it so but the public does not find something extraordinary to it.

One of the most popular items for antique collection are furniture of varying styles and periods that they were made, from selected wood such as mahogany, oak, pine, walnut, rosewood and elm. Style of antiques depends on where and when it was created such that the most famous styles include Victorian, Georgian, Regency American Pastoral and among others.

Included among the list of antique collection are coins from different dynasties or era which were made from precious elements such as gold, silver, bronze and the sort. The monetary value of such coins is determined by the number of production and some rare features. Usually, coins which were mass-produced during such period of time are not of great interest to collectors.

Shopping, identifying, negotiating and bargaining for antiques at garages sales, antique shops can be a fun-filled activity. Finding precious loot such as French antiques from a heap of seemingly rubbish items from an antique shop is an exhilarating experience. For more priceless finds such as garden antiques for your collection, browse into the internet for authentic surprises.

View the original article here

Oriental Figurines Collection

What kind of person collects Oriental figurines? After all, America's history suggests that Oriental figurines have not always been as in demand as they increasingly are today. If one were to look not very far back in time from where we are now, it wasn't that long ago that Asian people were a small minority in the United States. Well.... times change! I believe it is only natural for an intelligent (or even a curious) person to ask this simple question. It is remarkable that collections of Oriental figurines are becoming a new and vibrant trend as the American-Asian community has steadily grown over the past several decades. In most cases, individuals are collecting Oriental figurines because of their own unique Asian heritage. It is a personal mission, you could say.

One impressive collection by such an individual is called "Mark's Collection of Chinese Figurines from the 40s and 50s." This wonderful collection is available on-line for anyone to see and enjoy. After viewing this vintage collection for the first time, it became obvious to me that our friend Mark is indeed on his own personal mission to share his Oriental figurines with as many other people as possible. His special collection reflects the interest in Oriental collectibles which was prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s. Mark is a Chinese-American so it is not hard to understand why he would be interested in these fine products. There is a personal connection to his figurines which he is proud of (and rightly so).

The mission goes on and on as more collectors of Oriental figurines are getting their feet wet in this exciting new market. It is no secret that collecting itself has always been a very popular hobby for many people because you can collect almost anything you want to. Americans have always been avid collectors of many different kinds of things: i.e. books, stamps, toys, cars, models, clothing, decorations, and much more. So... the art of collecting Oriental figurines follows the same basic rules as any other kind of collection.

To start your Oriental figurines collection today, here are a few easy suggestions for you to follow. I hope they will help you out. First, before you focus on all the ways to go about creating your "great" Oriental figurines collection, examine carefully the goals you have in mind. What do you want your collection to do for you? Is it for your own personal interest on display in your home? Is it to be for future profit? Next, if you are not aware of your choices in Oriental figurines as a buyer, do become familiar with as many as possible. If you are interested in a collection for profit, you will want to thoughtfully investigate every collectible before you consider buying. After this, begin your collection with a few purchases. It is important not to spend too much money at first until you understand exactly what you are looking for. This is the beginning of much fun and personal satisfaction as you start to see your collection grow! Lastly, take note of the differences between serious collectibles and mere toys. Generally speaking, genuine collectibles are still in their original boxes for protection.

An Oriental figurines collection is an excellent way to give your home a unique atmosphere that reflects a very important fact of your humanity. There is even a "spiritual" aspect to this type of collection, if I may go that far. Enjoy your collecting and cherish every piece you purchase. You won't regret it!

View the original article here

Identifying and Selling Antique

Many people have antiques around their homes. Things passed along to us from the generations that have gone before us. In this time of economic uncertainty many people are beginning to consider liquidating some of these treasures. Some people simply lack the space to hold onto the numerous items they have acquired through the years. Whatever the reason, we all end up wondering what to do with our things and what they are worth.


What Is It
The first order of business is to identify your items. Never leave this task to someone else. While seeking expert help is important, nothing will replace your own research. Resource books are great for helping to determine what a piece is and how rare it is. Be reasonable, just because it is old does not make it valuable. Sometimes a piece is simply old. It is essential that the owner identify an item and find out as much as possible about it. Avoid getting sucked into the prices shown in a reference book. The piece is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, regardless of what a book states.


Determining Value
If you have a piece that you want to sell there are several ways to get an estimated value. Ebay is a fountain of information. Users can easily research what the current going price is for almost anything. Another good source of information is an auctioneer. An active auctioneer can provide a reasonable estimate of what things are selling for in any given geographical location. An item that is highly prized in one state might not attract any buyers in another state. The market is also volatile. What is sought after this week, might be junk next week. The lesson here is to utilize as many sources as you can locate to determine value.


How to Sell
Fortunately there are options for selling your antique items. The most convenient way is to take it to an auction house. They will charge a selling fee, usually around fifteen to twenty percent. This allows the items to be seen by a group of people who are looking for antiques. Another option is to sell it yourself on Ebay or another online auction. This is certainly not difficult, but it does require some internet savvy and research time. Be realistic about the possible monetary compensation for your items. The tougher times are economically the less money others spend on unessential items. Owners can also take their items to a consignment shop. The shop will usually display and sell the item for around twenty to twenty five percent of the selling price.

It is definitely worth investigating what those old items are and their value. Even if they are things you do not wish to sell, they may need to be insured. So get out that old brooch or toy that grandma gave you and check it out. You can have a lot of fun learning about the history of your items. Who knows you may find a true treasure.

View the original article here

Tips on Keeping Painting In Good Condition

How do you take care of the beautiful oil or acrylic painting that you have chosen?

Fortunately, paintings will give you years of enjoyment with very little effort. The principal threat to paintings is structural damage. You can eliminate most of the risk by taking a few precautions.
1. Hang paintings away from sources of heat and direct sunlight.
2. Use only a soft, clean, dry brush to lightly remove the dust from the surface.
3. Use care when moving or storing your painting to avoid puncture and tears.

Paintings enjoy a climate that is similar to what you are comfortable with. Excessive heat or cold causes damage to the paint and canvas. Humidity should be kept to around 50%. You may feel that you save money by changing your thermostat when you go on vacation, but you will lose so much more in the long run because of the damage it will cause your art and the rest of your belongings. Attics and basements should not be used to store your art. Another consideration is that you should not hang your art where the leaves or the pollen of your plants can touch it.

Never use cleaning agents, sprays, waxes, polishes or oils on your painting. Dust your painting from the top down with a soft, dry, clean brush that is used only for this purpose. Do not use cloths or dusters since these can catch on the paint and cause flaking.

Use care when moving or storing your art so that it is not punctured or scratched by other objects. Sheets of cardboard, at least as large as the outside of the frame, placed on either side is a good method of helping to protect your art.

If your art is in need of cleaning, you need a professional. There is no safe home remedy for this.

With just a few simple precautions, you and your family will enjoy your work of art for years to come.

View the original article here

Tips for Buying Antique Books

So you're interested in collecting books and want to buy antique books and become one of the many new book hounds around. But do you know how to properly identify an antique books condition or its value? Or do you know the difference between old books and antique books?


Here are some tips to help you know the answer to these questions and more.
Well one of the first things you need to learn is the difference between old books and antique books. That's because not every old book is worth some money. Now they may be worth something to you because of who they came from or they've been in the family for years, but other people won't pay anything for them.

That's the difference. In fact there are lots of books that were published around 1900 or before that aren't worth anything. At the same time there are books even paperbacks from the 60s or even the 70s that are worth a couple hundred bucks each. So an old book is just that and an antique book is an old book that people want to collect and people are willing to pay money for. Knowing which is which is extremely important.

The price of antique books is often dependant on how rare the book is as well as its condition. But the popularity of the author or of the book play a huge roll in how much a book is worth. As well as how many copies there are left around of a particular book.

Many great vintage collectible books that have value are first edition books by popular or famous authors. For that reason a first edition novel by Charles Dickens is often considered worth more than even a much earlier collected one of his works. But, a collected edition of a book by Charles Dickens would have a higher price than an edition of a much lesser known writer.

Of course the condition of a book also plays an important role in how much the book is worth and whether people want to collect it or not. So you should be looking to see that:

• Both the cover and the dust cover are present and they shouldn't be warped. 
• It should have all its pages are present. 
• Its pages shouldn't be creased or ripped. 
• The binding should be intact. 
• After you know that everything is there that should be there, now look for the presence of things that shouldn't be there. 
• For example handwritten notes in the book perhaps by a previous user. 
• Though in some cases, these notes can actually add to the value rather than detract from it. This will all depend on who wrote the notes. If they were written by the author or someone who is famous they can often add value.

So when you get a book in good condition it is very important to keep it that way. To do that they need to be kept on flat, smooth shelves that will support their weight properly. And the shelves should be made with properly sealed woods and they should be kept out of the sun to prevent fading.

One of the great things about becoming a book collector is you can get started with very little money. You can literally spend as much or little as you can afford. As not all antique books are worth a lot of money, you can buy several for really very little cash. However if you're looking for books that are very collectible and were written by well known authors, then they can be a challenge to find and the prices can be quite high.

Really the fun is in the hunt and the joy is being able to buy a great antique book without having to pay too much for it. So enjoy the adventure you've started and happy hunting.

View the original article here