Antique Shows For Fun and Inspiration

People inspire us. Nature inspires us. Places inspire us. Even things, whether big or small, old or new, can be a source of inspiration.

I love to go to antique shows for fun and inspiration. This is especially true when I go to large shows where the dealers come from all parts of the country. I am one of those antique nuts, and I love visiting all of the local antique stores and antique malls in my area, or where ever I visit. But being able to see antique dealers from other parts of the country exposes me to things I would not otherwise see.

I love seeing new things, well new antique things. Besides being a lover of antiques, I am also an antique dealer. My specialty is English antiques and I have bought most of my inventory there. But we recently moved to Alabama and American antiques are much more popular here than English. So my wife and I have had to start expanding our knowledge and learn about new things. We recently attended the Heart of Country Antique Show in Nashville as well as the two other shows that always happen the same week. Heart of Country is known for their great American antiques and unusual Americana.

We had so much fun seeing new things which truly inspired us. I always try to pick out a few things where my knowledge is lacking. I might add that the tendency is to be drawn to the things we love and know very well. So we tended to see the English things and had to restrain ourselves from spending too much time looking at these. I enjoyed seeing the hooked rugs with animal themes. There was a good selection of these, probably 25-30 in the 125 booths at Heart of Country. I was surprised at the prices which ranged from $1500-$2500. In the other two shows I saw some for $350-$595 range. They weren't quite as nice, but I couldn't see that much difference. I later saw a friend who set up at the last show and asked him about the rugs. He is an expert in Americana and has been written up in several magazines, and I respect his opinion. He said you have to be an expert in hooked rugs and he has lost a lot of money. I want to be knowledgeable enough to know a bargain if I see one.

I also loved seeing the many three dimensional weather vanes made of copper and brass. The price range on these was about the same as the hooked rugs. There were more horses than any other animal represented in the weather vanes. The patina on the copper was so wonderful. We were surprised at the number of cat related items, which ranged from paintings, to hooked rugs, to ceramics, and even toys. In English antiques and collectibles, horses and dogs are by far the most predominant subject when it comes to animals. Since we were there mainly for education and inspiration, this was so interesting.

I was also drawn to the art. My mother was an art teacher, so we were raised being exposed to art from an early age. I saw something I had never seen before, although a couple of dealers said they were not that unusual. The art was charcoal on sand paper. I had never seen sand paper being used in art. I understand most of these came from the late nineteenth century. Again I enjoyed seeing something I had never seen before.

Beside seeing things we had never seen before, at least in person, we got to see how these dealers displayed their things. There were so many interesting things, we went though the show twice and would have gone again, but we had two other shows to see. The reason I concentrate on two or three new things instead of focusing on as many things as possible, I just don't think you can really learn much. The fun part comes from seeing all of the things. The inspiration comes from really concentrating on two or three things and learn as much as possible both at the show and after by studying. So I encourage you to find a large antique show in your area, or even on holiday, and go to have fun and gain inspiration.

View the original article here

Antique Toys - 3 Essential Tips For New Collectors

If you want to be successful in collecting or selling antique toys, below are 3 essential tips that collectors should know.

Collecting antique toys is really a unique hobby. Almost all of us love having items in our possession that are not only valuable, but also tell a unique and interesting story. If you want to get started in collecting, and eventually selling, antique toys then here are three things that every new collector needs to know.

Consider The Kinds of Toys You Want To Collect
Although you could simply start collecting any antique toys that you come across, it helps to consider the exact type of toys you'd like to collect before you get started. For example, you may choose to specialize in antique dolls, or even diecast collectibles. This doesn't mean you can't branch out at a later date. But, for new collectors, it helps to keep things simple so you can learn as much as possible about the specific kinds of antique you plan on collecting. If you're stuck for ideas, try starting with something you already love or at least have some interest in.

Remember The Investment You Are Making
Whether you're buying vintage dolls, diecast collectibles and other antique toys with a view of reselling them or not, you should still look at them as an investment. There may come a time when you want to sell them on, and choosing the right kind of toys means that they could be very valuable in years to come. Look for good quality craftsmanship, and make sure you know exactly when the toy was made (you'll want to be looking for items that are at least 100 years old). If there are removable parts to the toy, check that they are original. Inspect everything as carefully as possible before you buy.

Knowing Where To Look
When you're new to collecting antique toys, you'll start learning more and more about where to get the best vintage dolls and other bargains. Thankfully, the internet makes things a lot easier, though you can also try local dealers. There are many online auction websites and stores that will offer great deals on the kinds of items you're after.

When you use these sites, feel free to ask the sellers as much information as you need about the toy - it's important to ensure you know exactly what you're going to be getting. You should, however, find that they already provide you with a lot of necessary information such as the condition of the toy, when it was made, what it's made from and so on.

View the original article here

Appraisal Value Versus Actual Worth With Collectibles

When dealing with guitars, antiques, or any collectible for that matter, there is a fine line between appraisal value and what the actual item is worth. The word "appraisal" gets thrown around quite a bit, and most of the time the "appraised" item in question has false perception tied to it.

There are many resources for appraisals, and seldom is there such a thing as a free appraisal. When you get an item appraised, you are being sold an appraisal. Appraisals are a service, and most of the time there is a fee for this service. That being said, this discussion in no way, shape, or form intends to discredit anyone who provides appraisal services.

There is a huge difference between appraisal value and actual market value. Let's use a 1960 "burst" Les Paul for example, say in 60% condition. There are resources out there, appraisers and price guides, that would consider this particular guitar to be worth upwards of $100,000. In actuality, this guitar could sell for $60,000. That's a 40% difference in price.

People can be misguided when it comes to appraisal price. If a luthier (or any appraiser) puts a $100,000 appraisal on said guitar, again, that's appraisal price, not market value. The guitar, again in 60% condition, most likely will not sell for the appraisal price, and the price realized will most likely be considerably less.

Most people with these appraisals seem to think that their items are worth the same amount liquid as they are appraised. Unfortunately, the market value of these items is almost always less than the appraisal. Think of an appraisal as an insurance policy. Let's say that you had a flood or a fire in your home and your guitar was destroyed or damaged beyond repair. If you were to provide a copy of that appraisal to your insurance company, that will most likely be the amount you will receive for replacement. When it comes to market value, these instruments simply don't sell for your appraisal value.

You can even do some research yourself. Say you have an old Fender Telecaster in fair shape with a $15,000 appraisal. Next, try to find a comparable guitar with the same specs, and see if you can find one that actually sold for your appraisal price. The outcome? You won't find one. There could always be a diamond in the rough that might sell for close to appraisal price, but most of the time it will sell for upwards of 40-50% less. That is the reality of appraisal value compared to market value.

View the original article here

Antique Fairs: Making a Come Back

Over the years our shopping habits have changed from local shops to super markets and from high streets to internet shopping. In this tough economic time many retailers are reporting heavy losses but one form of shopping seems to be making a comeback. Antique fairs have been with us for years and years but the large antique fairs which take place on county showground's around the UK are a lot younger. Newark Antiques Fair is the largest in the world but only 25 years old. These fairs exploded onto the scene in the 80's before the days of huge malls and internet shopping. At this time they offered visitors something very different! The chance to see thousands of stalls from all over Europe in one day something which would not have been possible before then. As a result of this new innovation which was the brain child of a man called Geoffrey Whittaker attendances boomed! Thousands of people came from all over the globe to visit Newark's antiques fairs. As a result of the business's success the Daily Mail Group purchased the 2 largest fairs in the UK (Newark and Ardingly) amongst others from Mr Whittaker. The fairs continued to do well under their new owners until the mid 90's when attendances started to fall. With the dawn of the internet and eBay brought bargain seekers who would rather stay at home and click their mice than take a walk around an antique market. But has time finally been called on couch potato shoppers?

Fair organisers all over the UK have announced massive increases in visitor numbers over the past year. This comes at a time when retail giants are posting huge drops in profits largely due to the global credit crisis. So if we are seeing the attendances raising so much on these fairs in a recession thing must be looking up in the industry. Many UK TV shows are now based on interior design and making your home unique from your neighbours rather than the mass produced high street options.

Personally when I shop for furniture and clothing I always like to see and touch what I am buying as you can never get a true sense of an item from a picture. It somehow loses its soul but most of all I enjoy spending the day out hunting for an item, whether it be in a shop or at an antique fair. I feel I am not alone in this train of thought and this is why I think the antique fair industry is booming!


View the original article here

Collecting Limited Edition Books

Book collecting crosses all borders, all income levels, all religions, all ages. The love of books is a fire that burns in most people, but especially brightly in some. For this reason, publishers have seen fit from time to time to publish limited editions of a huge variety of books over the last century. Therefore, almost every type of book collection can and should include limited editions.

First, what makes an edition limited? A limited edition should include a two basic things: special care to the design and construction of the book; and a statement of limitation. I have published a few small books as an offshoot of my bookstore, and I can use these to illustrate the difference between a small printing and a limited edition. Just like big publishers, I made every effort to ensure that my books are nice-looking and well made. However, I used standard paper and standard binding methods; they were not printed using metal type; I commissioned no original artwork; no copies are signed by anyone involved. Although I only made 500 copies of a couple of these books, that is merely because the books were slow sellers and not worth my money to reprint. Had they sold, I would have printed more.

A limited edition, on the other hand, generally goes one (or several) steps beyond a good production. Paper is specially made, bindings are agonized over and often hand-made, original artwork is often commissioned, signatures abound, and real type is used on the best of the limited editions. Most importantly, the colophon states exactly how many copies were made, and it normally has a hand-written number for each book. (A side note: never pay extra for a something promoted as a "limited" edition unless it is stated exactly how many have been made. The numbering of each copy ensures that no extra copies have been made.) Oftentimes, a limited edition might have two or three different states: a mere handful of copies may be signed by the author, bound in leather, printed on vellum, and include a separate portfolio of plates signed by the artist, an additional 50 may be signed by the author and have one extra plate, and the remaining few hundred numbered-or something along those lines. In these cases, the very special copies are either part of a lettered edition, or merely the first n copies as stated in the colophon.

One question I am frequently asked is: how many copies should a limited edition be limited to? The answer to this lies partly in the particular book. If, for example, it is a limited reproduction of an important but esoteric 17th-century scientific document, the limitation should be small; a best-selling novelist's "limited" edition, however, might number in the thousands of copies and still retain a good collector's value. In general, however, a good round number for the limitation is 500 copies. For books using metal type, woodcuts, engravings, lithographs, or other such techniques, there may be slightly noticeable flaws after 500 or 1000 imprints. Although books printed with 'modern' techniques will not have these flaws, the fact that they are essentially computer print-outs lowers their value, so you will want to make sure the limitation is very small.

Why are limited editions important for a book collection? Aren't they just "instant collectibles" like Hallmark ornaments? Yes and no. The limited edition book shows that the collector is not only interested in the subject matter, but is also a patron of the book arts. In this age of infinitely reproducible electronic texts and print-on-demand books, a book carefully made is even more of a special part of a collection than ever. For this reason, limited editions can add real value to a book collection, and might make an otherwise lukewarm collection into something out of the ordinary. Also, many limited editions contain features unique to that edition: introduction, illustrations, notes, etc. Most of all, however, a limited edition is just plain fun. It is fun to read, knowing you are taking part in a special ritual that began with the author, continued with the press, and ends with the reader. It is fun to own, knowing that your copy is one of just a few in the world.

One side note: those limited edition which are signed by the authors are almost the only books where the signature is assured to be genuine. Many dealers who specialize in high-dollar signatures are hesitant to buy and promote any signature unless it is guaranteed to be real. A signed edition is one of the only ways to be confident in the signature.

Of course, there are people who collect limited editions only. One fellow I talked to only collects number 13: he'll buy any limited edition he can get his hands on if it is numbered that unlucky number. An interesting collection!

Value-wise, the most collectible limited editions will have one or more of the following characteristics:
- signed by the author/artist/publisher as long as one of those is someone relatively important
- printed with metal type on hand-made paper
- limitation of 500 or less
- produced by an important publisher

That last characteristic may need a bit of explanation. By "important" publisher, I mean one which has been influential in the artistic representation of text and the beautiful design of books. There have always been publishers of limited editions who merely mimic what others have done: although these productions tend to maintain a decent value, they only increase based on the content (i.e., if they happened to print a limited first edition of a book that went on to win the Nobel, or to become a cult classic) rather than the form. In modern times, the Easton Press produces books of this nature. All of their books not only look the same, but they are rehashing the forms of yesterday (and their "limited" print runs are very large, often running into the thousands.) The Arion Press, on the other hand, is producing spectacular books that continue to push the boundaries of form and construction (their rendition of Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities, being a prime example; Moby Dick, probably their most famous production, is not as extreme but still required an entire new font style cut.)

In the old days, limited editions were meant to be displayed, shared, and talked about. Although that is still true, the computer age has expanded that a little. Two websites are worth mentioning: LibraryThing.org, and WikiEdition.com. LibraryThing lets you share your entire library (assuming you want to sit there and type it all in), and WikiEdition lets you register your limited edition-thus you can see who else has what number of the same edition.

Talk to your local bookseller to see what limited editions might be available that would fit in to your collection. And remember - enjoy your books, and enjoy the collecting!

View the original article here

Basics on Determining the Value of Porcelain Figurines

Many of us have those cute little porcelain figurines around the house that we refer to as knickknacks. However, there are quite a number of people out there who put a lot of time and careful consideration into their porcelain figurine collections. Although a large number of people have never seriously considered the worth of some of the figurines we have in our possession, we could be sitting on a piece that is worth a great deal. With this in mind I would like to give a few pointers and clues to look for so that you will be able to have at least a basic grasp on the possible value of your collection.

Determining the theme of a porcelain figurine is important. What I am referring to is what time period does the piece represent?

For example, if your figurine is a woman dressed in a gown from the French court she could possibly be representative of the Louis XVI period. This type of information can prove very useful, many large, well known collectors who purchase from the person who just so happens to have the piece they need, collect only pieces from certain time periods and are willing to pay a substantial amount for the piece they are seeking.

Knowing the various manufacturing companies that produce porcelain figurines is also a benefit. Many companies are no longer in business, this can add value to pieces that were produced by such companies. Numerous collectors seek these figurines due to their limited quality, and as there will be no more produced under that particular name they gain in value.

Familiarity with the artists who did the designs and detail work of porcelain figurines will also provide you with significant information. Many figurines that were designed by a particular artist grow in appreciation and become more valuable over time. This proves very true especially after the death of an artists, as in the Art world, many artists' work gains significantly in value after their death. The reason for this is due to the fact that there will be no further work produced by the artist, making the work now available even more desirable, because of the limited number of examples available of the artist's work.

There are many other factors that can play a part in determining a porcelain figurine's value, but these are the three best ways I have found.

View the original article here

Know What A Piece of Antique Is Worth

Antiques are prized possessions, not just because of their monetary value, but also because of their beauty and durability to withstand the harsh forces of nature. However, it is seldom that antiques, especially furniture, never require some degree of restoration. Most furnishings need to undergo some restoration so their beauty can be highlighted.

Buying antiques, however, is not as easy as it sounds, especially if one is after the value for money. One does not just jump into making purchases without assessing the condition of such items. One of the most important factors to consider prior to closing the deal is durability. Furniture and fixtures such as sofa, dining tables and chairs, should serve their purpose and not end up being stored in the garage or attic. Of course, a buyer will see no purpose in buying a dining table in poor condition unless he is not aware of an antique piece' significance. If he knows what a piece of antique is worth, he may decide to buy the item just to save it and give it new life.

A buyer should also take into account the uniqueness of an item. Scrolls were the predominant design during the 18th century, as well as skirts that were made to look like bells. An American empire sofa, for example, of the period 1810-1830 had distinct curved arms and feet designed to look like giant animal paws or giant curved scrolls. Bell-like skirts during the 18th century were a fashion statement and, thus, influenced chair designs that were basically designed to accommodate the expanse of these skirts.

It is also important to note that wood types such as mahogany, oak, walnut, ebony, cherry, maple, pine and rosewoods have distinct features that made them popular during the 18th century and Victorian era. Mahogany, for example, aside from being inexpensive, has a distinct characteristic that is unattractive to woodworms. Rosewood, on the other hand is heavy and gives off a distinct rosy smell. Cherry wooden furniture, with its red shades, does not stain easily compared to other other types of furniture made of wood.

Making informed and educated purchases is always important when one wants to buy antique wisely. Indeed, an antique collector has a lot to consider if the purpose of buying such antiques is the preservation of their beauty, historical significance and monetary value. These are the most considerations for someone who wants to make good antique purchases.

View the original article here

How To Buy An Authentic Oriental Vase

There are several methods you can utilize when purchasing an Oriental vase to be sure you are getting an authentic collectible piece. With so much counterfeiting of these products today, it can be quite difficult to determine whether the Oriental vase you want to buy is really genuine or not. Sometimes people spend great amounts of money buying what they thought were collectible items, only to discover their selections were fake. A beautiful authentic Chinese porcelain vase would make a wonderful addition to any home decor. Therefore, it is worth your while to shop smart and obtain the "real" deal.

One of the best ways to avoid getting ripped off when attempting to buy an authentic Oriental vase is to purchase only from a reliable source. You will have to research the options of reputable porcelain vase retailers in your area and choose accordingly. If you can get a referral from someone you trust on where you can purchase these items, you will have greater peace when you shop. You can also check several shops out carefully and compare merchandise before making any buys. When you visit a Chinese porcelain shop, look around at the type of merchandise he has to offer. If you note there is a large supply of the same type of porcelain vase it may indicate this merchandise is not genuine. You can ask questions from the seller concerning the piece you are interested in to get an indication of where it came from, etc. However, you should be aware that some inexperienced sellers actually cannot verify whether their merchandise is genuine or not. They may have been informed a porcelain vase was authentic when they purchased it, and they are merely passing that information on to you.

Another alternative would be to acquire the services of an expert in this area who can verify the authenticity of the merchandise you want to buy. Someone with ample experience in shopping for these products can help you identify genuine artifacts from fakes. If your heart is set on obtaining only authentic Oriental vase products and you are not experienced in this area, hiring an expert to assist you will help you find just what you want at the best price.

A beautiful Oriental vase can add class and distinction to your home setting. It can be elegantly displayed in a living room or dining room setting as a centerpiece to your decor. These vases come in a wide range of sizes and shapes with all manner of exquisitely painted designs. It helps to take your time when you are shopping for an Oriental vase and thoroughly inspect the product you want to buy for chips, cracks, faded paint, etc. These are sure tell signs of a counterfeit product. The quality of your product should also be taken into consideration, as a very delicate piece will be more susceptible to cracking or breaking.

Another stunning decorative piece that can add class to your home decor is an attractively designed blue vase. The Modern Blue Volcano blue vase design from Brazil, for example, is a very elegant piece that would complement a contemporary home decor setting. You can find any number of fashionable blue vase designs online at reasonable prices to enhance any area of your home.

View the original article here